Job Reference: 107531
Application deadline: 7 July 2026
Starting date:  –
Where: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Duration of the contract:  36 months – Full time
Salary: Range £36,636 – £46,049 per annum – Grade 7

Job Tasks 

Applications are invited for a full-time, fixed-term PostDoc position at the School of Physics & Astronomy of the University of Birmingham within the Sun, Stars and Exoplanets research group. The successful candidate will work with Professor Bill Chaplin on using asteroseismology to study magnetic activity in solar-type stars, utilizing data from Kepler, TESS, and PLATO missions.

In this project, sensitive asteroseismic diagnostics will be applied to photometric data from the NASA Kepler and TESS missions, and the soon-to-be-launched ESA PLATO mission, to provide novel constraints on the morphology of the near-surface activity. The work will also utilise Sun-as-a-star helioseismic data spanning multiple solar cycles (e.g., from our own global network of BiSON telescopes) to help develop, test and benchmark analysis techniques for application to the stellar data.

The successful candidate will join the vibrant Sun, Stars, and Exoplanets group, and have plenty of opportunity for collaboration with international colleagues.

Profile’s requirements 

• A PhD in astrophysics/astronomy
• Experience in data-driven or computational astrophysics; prior experience in the fields of asteroseismology or helioseismology would be beneficial
• Programming experience relevant to scientific research; experience of timeseries analysis would be desirable
• A track record of research outputs appropriate to career stage
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010. Including fostering good relations and advancing the universities Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED)
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity knowledge, skills and experience document.

How to apply 

Further information on the vacancy, and how to apply, visit https://www.birmingham.ac.uk/jobs and search for vacancy 107531. When applying please include:

• A CV, including a list of publications;
• A Cover letter explaining your interest in the role and how your experience fits the project;
• Contact details of at least two referees.

The closing date for applications is July 14. Interviews are expected to take place towards the end of July.