Job Reference: KU00004647
Application deadline: 07 July 2025
Starting date:  –
Where: Keele University, Keele, Staffordshire, UK, ST5 5BG
Duration of the contract:  36 months
Salary: Grade 7 Salary Range £38,249 – 46,735

Job Tasks 

The successful candidate will work with Dr Pierre Maxted and colleagues within the Astrophysics Research Centre at Keele University, as part of an STFC-funded project to use advanced data analysis techniques to generate high-quality data for benchmark stars in eclipsing binary systems, and to use these data to calibrate stellar models that will be needed to accurately characterize planetary systems discovered by European Space Agency PLATO mission.

The Research Associate will:

• lead the analysis of light curves, spectroscopy and photometry to create a library of high-quality stellar spectra for solar-type stars in detached eclipsing binary systems with precisely and directly measured masses, radii and effective temperatures;
• assist with the management of an observing programme by citizen scientists to obtain multi-band photometry covering the eclipses of the sample of PLATO benchmark stars;
• adapt existing artificial neural network emulation and hierarchical Bayesian methods to compare the predictions of stellar model grids to the observed properties of benchmark stars in eclipsing binary stars.

Profile’s requirements 

• a PhD in astrophysics or related subject and have demonstrated an aptitude for research;
• a strong publication record (commensurate with career stage);
• excellent communication skills;
• an experience of binary stars and/or asteroseismology will be important.

How to apply 

Applications must be sent as described in the Job offer no later than July 7th, 2025.

Interviews to be held on 22nd July 2025.

Further information on how to apply and contact information are reported in the Job offer.