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Faculty of Science
Information for applicants
Post title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate in Characterisation of Transiting
Exoplanets
Salary:
£27,183 - £31,513 p.a. depending on evidence of independent
research
Grade:
Academic grade 1/2
Post reference:
5505
Closing date:
7 April 2009
Interview date:
Information included in this pack:
Section:
1.0
2.0
3.0
The post
1.1
Post details
1.2
Job description
1.3
Person specification
Applying for the post
2.1
How to apply
2.2
Application information
Faculty information
3.1
Faculty of Science
3.2
Department of Physics and Astronomy
3.3
The Open University
3.4
Benefits and facilities
28 April 2009
Section 1.0: THE POST
Section 1.1:
POST DETAILS
Post title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate in Characterisation of Transiting
Exoplanets
Reports to:
Dr Carole Haswell, Prof Glenn White
Unit and/or team:
Astronomy Research Group, Department of Physics & Astronomy,
Faculty of Science
Salary details:
£27,183 - £31,513 p.a. depending on evidence of independent
research
Location:
Walton Hall, Milton Keynes
Working hours:
Full-time
Contract type:
Fixed term for up to 36 months, ending no later than April 2012
Section 1.2:
JOB DESCRIPTION
Overall job purpose
This is postdoctoral position funded by STFC as part of our Rolling Grant, and is currently
funded through to April 2012. The position is to work on the astrophysics of transiting
exoplanets with Dr Carole Haswell and collaborators. The appointee will exploit our
ongoing programme of Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations. We have NICMOS
observations of three WASP exoplanets in hand, and a bespoke pipeline which produces
high signal to noise light curves from these data. We have been allocated time to make
HST/COS observations of one of the most highly irradiated hot Jupiters. The PDRA will
reduce, analyse and interpret these data.
Our HST observations are designed to measure precise radii, hence revealing the
structure and composition of transiting exoplanets, and when combined with Spitzer
observations imply the planetary albedos and brightness temperatures. Our NICMOS
observations of WASP-3b’s transit will directly test predictions of a strongly absorbing
stratosphere of TiO and VO. Our COS observations will determine whether the
atmosphere of WASP-12b is in a state of hydrodynamic “blow-off” as observations of HD
209458b suggested.
The PDRA will contribute to the development and implementation of related observing
proposals, and will be expected to lead observations using both queue-scheduled and
guest-observer international facilities. The PDRA will contribute to related modelling of
exoplanet atmospheres and interior structure.
Main duties

To reduce and analyse data from HST and other facilities, interpreting these within
the context of numerical models.

To prepare observing proposals and contribute to the implementation of observing
programmes.

To write papers on the research and publish them in peer-reviewed journals.

To carry out related administrative tasks associated with the work.
Other Duties
All staff are expected to:

Comply with the University’s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies in
the performance of their duties.

Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other
person who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.

Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory
Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and
Safety arrangements are complied with.

Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.

Attend appropriate staff development events.
Challenges and opportunities
This project offers the opportunity to

develop skills and experience in observational astrophysics

participate in modelling of exoplanet interior and atmospheric structure

develop a good portfolio of published research in transiting exoplanet
characterisation

become a member of the WASP consortium and participate in WASP
research.

Take advantage of the OU’s proprietary access to SALT and LOFAR.
Section 1.3:
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications, experience and expertise
Criteria
Essential

Education,
qualifications and
training



Knowledge, work
and other relevant
experience



Personal Qualities

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
Additional
Requirements


Good first degree in physics,
astronomy, maths, or related
subject.
PhD in astrophysics or closely
related area.
Strong skills in observational
astrophysics data analysis.
Experience in designing,
planning, making, analysing and
publishing professional
astronomical observations.
Demonstrated competence in
designing and building bespoke
scientific software.
Experience of working using a
Unix-based operating system.
Ability to prepare and give
scientific presentations using
powerpoint or equivalent tool.
Ability to work independently and
cooperatively as a productive
member of a large,
geographically distributed team.
Tenacity in the face of setbacks.
Problem-solving ability.
Abstract reasoning skills.
Enthusiasm for astronomy
Must be fluent in English.
Must be prepared to reside close
to Milton Keynes, and to work
normal office hours in the Dept’s
offices on campus.
Desirable

Postdoctoral research
experience.

Experience of designing
observations for and
analysing data from the
Hubble Space Telescope
or similar queuescheduled complex
facilities.
A strong publication
history, preferably in
exoplanets research.
A track record of gaining
observing time on oversubscribed facilities.
Familiarity with IDL.






Willingness to contribute
to the academic life of the
Dept and the CEPSAR
research centre.
Enthusiasm for science
communication.
Good technical writing
skills, and well-developed
verbal communication
skills.
Section 2.0: APPLYING FOR THE POST
Section 2.1:
HOW TO APPLY
a)
Your application should include:

CV

List of Publications

Short application form

Cover letter
b)
Send the above documents to:
Tracey Moore
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes MK7 6AA
or email: [email protected]
to arrive by 5.00 pm on the 7th April
Eligibility:
Internal/External applicants
Closing date:
7th April 2009
Pre-applications
enquiries:
If you wish to discuss this post informally, please contact
Dr Carole Haswell, Senior Lecturer in Astronomy, telephone +44
1908 653396 or e-mail [email protected] and/or Mrs Tracey
Moore, Dept Office Manager, telephone +44 1908 653229 or e-mail
[email protected].
Shortlisting:
Shortlisting will be completed as soon as possible after the closing
date.
Interviews:
Interviews will be held on the 28th April 2009 and will include a
seminar presentation of the candidates’ research.
If shortlisted, you will be asked to bring your original qualification
certificate(s) to the interview for verification. If you have any problems
in providing the original document(s) please contact Andrea Harling,
Faculty Staffing Administrator on +44 (0)1908 659 108 or [email protected]
Candidates will be required to prove their identity and eligibility to
work in the U.K. by producing verifiable documents at interview.
Details of the required documents will be provided if invited to
interview.
Disabled
Applicants
The Open University welcomes applications from disabled people.
If you require any adjustments to enable you to attend the interview
please ensure that you have provided this information on your
application form.
If you are called for interview, please discuss any adjustments you
may require to carry out the duties of the role with the interview panel
so that the appropriate arrangements and any adjustments can be
made if necessary.
(Under the Disability Discrimination Act, a disability is defined as a
physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term
adverse effect on a person's ability to carry out normal day to day
activities).
Please let us know if you need your copy of the further particulars in
large print, on computer disc or on audio cassette tape. Access
details for disabled applicants are available from Mrs Tracey Moore,
Dept Office Manager, telephone +44 1908 653229 or e-mail
[email protected].
Retirement Age
The Open University operates a normal retirement age of 65.
Applications can only be accepted from people up to the age of 64
years and 6 months at the date of their application. This is in line
with the Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006.
Proof of eligibility There are legal restrictions on who may undertake employment in the
to work in the
United Kingdom. Residents of the European Economic Area and
UK
Switzerland are permitted to work within the UK, however citizens of
other countries normally need to be sponsored by a UK employer and
granted permission to stay in the UK by the UK Border Agency, in
order to undertake employment with the sponsoring employer.
When applying to the UK Border Agency in order to sponsor
someone, the University will be required to demonstrate that the job is
at skill level S/NVQ level 3 or above, and that there are no other
suitable candidates for the post who are ‘settled workers’, i.e. resident
in any of the countries as stated above.
Candidates who are invited for interview will be required to provide
proof of their eligibility to work in the UK by producing verifiable
documents. Details of the required documents will be sent to those
candidates who are invited for interview and the relevant original
documents must be brought along to the interview for checking and
copying.
If you require sponsorship this will be processed should your
application for appointment be successful. To find out what visas and
permissions you may require in order to work in the UK please see
http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/ or telephone 0114 207 4074, the
general enquiries line is open from 09.00 to 17.00, Monday to Friday,
excluding public holidays.
Recruitment
Process
If you have any comments or concerns about any stage of the
recruitment process please write to the HR Adviser - Central
Academic Units, Human Resources who will look into the matter.
Section 2.2: APPLICATION INFORMATION
Application procedure
The following guidelines are designed to help you submit a job application in line with our
requirements.
Covering letter and supporting statement
Your covering letter or statement should clearly identify how you meet the person
specification. Please ensure you provide relevant examples as evidence to support your
statements.
You will need to read carefully any specific instructions concerning what should be
included in your application (this will be in the additional information you have concerning
the job). Please ensure you comply with these instructions, as if you do not the panel will
not shortlist you.
The selection panel will consider how well the information you provide demonstrates that
you meet the criteria identified in the person specification.
Completing the application form
It is in your interest to show how your experience and personal qualities address the
person specification for the role.
Please ensure you complete all the sections of the form in full giving as much detail as
possible, you are welcome to enclose your up-to-date curriculum vitae, but CVs will not
be accepted on their own.
Once completed, you must sign and date the application form to confirm that the
information and any attachments are correct.
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
If using the short (two-sided) version of our application form please enclose an up-todate CV with your application for employment. This should include details about the
following, where applicable.





Secondary and higher education (dates, educational establishment, examinations,
results/grade and thesis titles if applicable).
Other technical, professional or occupational training/courses attended (dates,
provider, type of training, subjects studies and qualifications attained).
Membership of professional institutes or societies.
Employment history (dates, details of your present and past employers, positions
held with brief details of duties, final salary and reason for leaving). Please start with
your present or most recent appointment. Remember to include unpaid or voluntary
work as well as paid employment.
Details of relevant publications (for academic posts)
Please remove any information from your CV that might give an indication of your race,
religion, belief, or sexual orientation, as these details are irrelevant to your application.
References
Three referees should be nominated, at least one of whom should be from your current
or most recent employer. Please provide full contact details in the Referee section of the
application form, stating any reservations you may have about our approaching them.
Section 3.0: UNIVERSITY AND FACULTY INFORMATION
Section 3.1:
THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE
The Faculty of Science has four teaching departments: Chemistry & Analytical Sciences,
Earth & Environmental Sciences, Life Sciences, and Physics & Astronomy; and the
Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute.
The Faculty has a staff of about 305, comprising around 115 academic staff (central and
regional) with the balance made up of research staff, course managers, laboratory staff,
technicians, administrators and secretaries. There are also varying numbers of research
students and visiting academic staff.
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports 5 undergraduate discipline-based programmes; Life
Sciences, Health Sciences, Molecular Science, Geosciences, and Physical Science; as
well as a broad-based Natural Sciences programme which is cross-disciplinary. At postgraduate level, the Faculty supports an MSc programme which currently has 2 strands;
Life Sciences and Science.
Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics that
brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through
three major research groupings:



The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Research in Life Sciences
Research in Atomic, Molecular and Materials Engineering.
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to find
solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of
Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly
developing in response to external research opportunities.
For more information, please see our website at
http://www.open.ac.uk/science/index.htm
Section 3.2: DEPARTMENT OF PHYSICS & ASTRONOMY
The Department has around 30 academic staff, including four staff tutors (based in the
regions). This number also includes three of the academic staff of the Planetary & Space
Science Research Institute (PSSRI) whose teaching duties are organised from the
Department. The central academics are supported by four course managers, a laboratory
manager, a computer managers, technical staff, and secretaries. The total complement
of the Department, including post-doctoral research fellows (PDRFs) and research
students, is about 80. The Department is currently headed by Prof. Nicholas Braithwaite;
further details can be found at http://physics.open.ac.uk/.
Research
There is an internationally competitive research programme in the Department. Our
research attracts external funding from various sources. An outline of current research
follows; further details can be found at http://physics.open.ac.uk/.
a) Molecular and Optical Physics Research Group &
Plasma Science and Engineering Physics Research Group
In the Department of Physics and Astronomy, the Molecular and Optical Physics
Research Group and the Plasma Science and Engineering Physics Research Group are
each constituents of an umbrella grouping known as Atomic, Molecular and Materials
Engineering. The academic staff of these groups include Bergamini, Bowden Braithwaite,
Gorfinkiel, Harle, Mason and Swithenby. The following areas of fundamental research
are covered:








Spectroscopy related to atmospheric studies and ionized gases
Molecular interactions with radiation with particular emphasis on biomolecules
The study of quantum phenomena in atom traps and the development of quantum
optics
The investigation of plasmas with particular emphasis on their interactions with
surfaces
The study of physical and chemical processing at the nanoscale
The study of electron and photon induced processes at the molecular level
Investigation of physical and chemical modification of single biological molecules
Electromagnetic and ultrasonic interactions with biological matter
All these areas have strong overlaps with other active research groups at the Open
University, in particular the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute, the
Medicinal Chemistry Group and various applied mathematicians.
b) Astronomy Research Group
The Astronomy Research Group is a constituent of the University’s Centre for Earth,
Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR). This research centre includes
four research groups from the Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences, the two
research groups that constitute the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute
and the Astronomy Research Group from the Department of Physics & Astronomy.
The academic staff of these groups include Clark, Haswell, Jones, Kolb, Lewis, Mason,
Norton, Serjeant and White. The following areas of astronomy research are covered:
Astrochemistry research is targeted at the chemical and physical processing of
astrophysical ices in star and planet formation region; and the properties of ices in the
outer nebular regions of our own solar system, and other planet building regions. Topics
include:

Laboratory investigation of molecule formation in the ISM and on planetary
surfaces

Observational studies of the ISM

Observational studies of protoplanetary and protostellar systems

Infrared and interferometry mission focussed studies
Binary Star research focuses on interacting compact binary stars, particularly
cataclysmic variables and X-ray binaries, and on the overall binary star population of the
Galaxy. Members of the group carry out:

Multiwavelength spectroscopic and photometric observations

Modelling of accretion discs and the accretion process

Evolutionary studies

Population synthesis studies
Star Formation research focuses on understanding processes involved in (primarily)
high mass star formation, in participating in the ASTRO-F Galactic Plane survey, and in
star formation in external galaxies and at high redshifts:

High redshift star forming galaxies in far-infrared and sub-millimetre surveys

Star formation in nearby galaxies

Triggered star formation and proplyds

ASTRO-F Galactic Plane survey

Protostellar disks

The environment and life cycle of massive stars
Exoplanet research concentrates on the local population of transiting extra-solar planets
and understanding the nature of ‘habitable zones’ in extra-solar systems. This work will
lead on to our intended involvement in the ESA DARWIN extra-solar planet research
programme. Projects include:

Modelling of giant planet shielding of exo-'Earths'

Modelling post-migration formation of exo-'Earths'

Models of secular resonances in extra-solar planet systems

Properties of the newly discovered transiting extra-solar planets from WASP
Teaching
Staff in the Physics & Astronomy Department make their main contribution to the Science
curriculum through courses in Physics (including some maths courses) and in
Astronomy. Staff also contribute to other science-based courses, especially the science
foundation course, the Science Short Course Programme, and to the Science Masters’
degree (principally through medical physics courses).
The Physics Innovations Centre for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (piCETL) is one
of the Open University’s four CETLs. They are funded by HEFCE until March 2010. The
aim of the piCETL is to develop, implement and share fresh approaches to physics
education incorporating new methods such as electronic delivery and electronically
enhanced interactive learning. The piCETL brings together outstanding teachers from
three physics departments (the Open University and our partners at the Universities of
Leicester and Reading) that already have international reputations for innovation in
teaching and established records of success in HEFCE-funded teaching and learning
projects.
Section 3.3:
THE OPEN UNIVERSITY
The Open University transforms lives through education. It has become by far the
largest university in the UK, now teaching well over 200,000 people every year. We
have expanded our activities throughout Europe and our highly rated teaching materials
are used by other institutions in many parts of the world. We are consistently achieving
high rankings both in research and teaching quality assessments.
Teaching is through the provision of specially designed, high quality, materials
encompassing traditional print texts, television, video, CD-ROM, internet and electronic
conferencing together with first class personalised tuition, learning feedback and support.
The success of the Open University is due to our outstanding staff. There are around
13,000 staff (including 7,500 Associate Lecturers). Staff and potential staff are treated
solely on the basis of their merits, abilities and potential, regardless of gender, colour,
ethnic or national origin, age, socio-economic background, disability, religious or political
beliefs, family circumstances, sexual orientation or other irrelevant distinction.
We are also committed to the development of our staff to their full potential through
lifelong learning, offering a range of formal and informal training and development
activities to ensure that staff are able to perform their jobs to the best of their abilities and
to help meet individual and University objectives. Our objective is that all staff undertake
a minimum of 5 days development activity in each year.
For more information see our website: http://www.open.ac.uk
Section 3.4: BENEFITS AND FACILITIES
This sheet provides a summary of staff benefits and facilities. Full details will be
available when you join us.
Staff Development
We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your
current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews
of your training and development needs. The objective is that all staff should undertake
at least five days development activity in each year – this may include attendance at
formal courses or other learning e.g. use of self-study material. We invest substantial
time and money in our staff development provisions and we waive fees for staff wishing
to study our own courses.
Annual Leave
The annual leave entitlement is 30 days (33 days for academic, academic related or
research staff) in addition to all bank and other public holidays and an additional 3 days
at Christmas when the University is closed.
Study Leave
Permanent Central Academic staff (those on contracts of 2 years or more) are entitled to
study leave on full salary for research or other approved academic purposes for two
months in each leave year. For Regional Academic staff the entitlement is to study leave
on full salary for two months within each period of two years completed service.
Pension Scheme
Staff have the option of contributing to a Final Salary pension scheme and the University
contributes around 14% of salary. Full details will be sent with any offer of employment
but any preliminary enquiries should be addressed to the Pensions Section, Human
Resources (01908) 652431 or 652957.
Relocation Expenses
Staff are normally expected to live within a reasonable travelling distance of their place of
work. The University will make a grant for expenses necessarily incurred for removals
and disturbance, within certain rules and subject to a maximum payment. Full details will
be sent with any offer of employment. The removal grant does not apply on
appointments of less than two years duration.
Family Friendly Policies
 Staff are entitled to 52 weeks maternity/adoption leave. Statutory maternity/adoption
pay will be paid for a maximum period of the first 39 weeks, made up to full pay for
the first 18 weeks, subject to minimum service conditions. Staff have the right to
return to work at any time within 52 weeks of the maternity leave start date, again
subject to certain conditions.
 Staff are entitled to a maximum of 10 days paid paternity leave in connection with
their wife’s/partner’s confinement in any one leave year in addition to normal leave
entitlement, again subject to certain conditions.
 Childcare Vouchers; we have introduced a salary sacrifice scheme to enable staff to
take advantage of tax and NI exemption on up to £243 of childcare vouchers per
month. The scheme is managed by Busy Bees. Further information will be provided
on appointment.
Milton Keynes based staff
 Nurseries: The Mulberry Bear Day Nursery & Pre-School is a purpose-built nursery
on the Walton Hall campus. It is an independent charity supported by The Open
University and managed by parents. OU staff applications are given priority but there
may be a waiting list in some age groups. For further information, please telephone
Milton Keynes (01908) 653867, email [email protected] or see
their website at www.mulberrybear.org.uk
 There are a number of other private nurseries in the Milton Keynes area.
Facilities
 Catering facilities providing meals, snacks and drinks
 Open University Club (offering a number of club and society events, sports and
social outlets).
 Occupational Health Department (located on site at Walton Hall) provides
professional advice to individuals and managers on all work related health issues.
 Natwest; Bank sub branch on site at Walton Hall
 Shop selling general provision on site at Walton Hall
Local Education:
Information on local schools can be obtained from the Learning and Development
Directorate, Milton Keynes Borough Council on (01908) 253489 or visit their website at:
www.mkschools.net.
Smoking Policy
Please note that smoking is not permitted in University buildings, bars and catering
areas. Smoking is only permitted in designated outdoor areas.