Research Associate/Assistant: Modelling Exoplanet Interiors and Atmospheres (Fixed Term)
Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate position to support an ambitious research programme at the University of Cambridge, focusing on modelling exoplanet interiors and atmospheres. The successful candidate will join a vibrant team led by Oliver Shorttle, the Planetary Chemistry group, dedicated to understanding the structure, processes, and habitability of exoplanets. Our research is highly interdisciplinary, combining the expertise and methodologies of the Earth and Planetary Sciences, from geophysics to geochemistry, to characterize the nature of alien worlds. These positions offer a high level of research freedom, allowing candidates to tailor the project according to their interests and expertise while leveraging the strengths of the Planetary Chemistry group at Cambridge.
The Researcher will join the wider Cambridge exoplanet community, which is part of the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe. This community offers outstanding opportunities for forming new collaborations, attending and delivering talks, and joining a wider international community investigating the origin and prevalence of life.
This position is funded for three years, commencing in October 2025 or earlier. We are seeking to appoint a candidate of the highest calibre to contribute to this transformative science. The successful applicant will have a strong background in astrophysics, planetary geophysics, or a related field, and experience in atmosphere and climate modelling is highly desirable. This is an excellent opportunity to engage in pioneering research within a world-leading institution and to make significant contributions to our understanding of exoplanets.
Applicants must have a PhD in Astronomy or related field. Applicants must possess a scientific publication record and a clear outline of current/future research areas. Applicants must have excellent communication and computing skills.
The appointment will be at Grade 7 (Research Associate) £37,174 to £45,413 p.a., depending on experience/qualifications. A successful candidate not yet awarded a PhD will be appointed at Grade 5 (Research Assistant) £34,132 to £35,116 and amended to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of PhD.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Please indicate the contact details of three academic referees on the online application form and upload a full curriculum vitae (CV), list of publications and a statement describing of how your research expertise can be applied to the project (1 page, A4 maximum, font size 11). Please ensure that your referees are aware that they may be contacted by the Institute of Astronomy.
The University of Cambridge is a signatory of the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA). DORA recognises the need to improve the ways in which the outputs of scholarly research are evaluated. The University expects candidates to apply the principles of DORA when preparing their applications. We do not use journal level metrics when assessing the quality of research outputs. Applicants should not include journal level metrics, such as the Journal Impact Factor, anywhere in their application materials. More information about DORA, its principles and aims can be found at: https://sfdora.org/ and https://www.research-strategy.admin.cam.ac.uk/research-policy/DORA
The application deadline is 23:59 GMT on Sunday 18th May 2025. Where applicable, referees will be requested to provide references by Tuesday 27th May 2025.
Applications will be reviewed after the closing date and interviews are provisionally planned for: w/c 2nd June 2025.
The anticipated start date of the appointment is October 2025 or earlier.
Informal inquiries can be addressed via email to Prof. Oliver Shorttle : shorttle@ast.cam.ac.uk
If you have any queries regarding the application process please contact HR@ast.cam.ac.uk
Please quote reference LG45739 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University of Cambridge thrives on the diversity of its staff and students and actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.