STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship Opportunities (2013)

Armagh Observatory Quota Pre-selection

Links to application form and other documents

☆ Application pack including an example advert - PDF

☆ MS Word (.doc) version of the application form.

☆ MS Word (.doc) version of the STFC curriculum vitae form.

A pre-selection opportunity to apply to the Science and Technology Facilities Council (STFC) for a 3–5 year fixed-term position, namely an STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowship, is available at the Armagh Observatory. Candidates for the STFC Fellowship must not be employed in a permanent academic position or the equivalent in institutions other than universities, and must have a PhD and a minimum of five years' research experience from the start of the postgraduate programme leading to the award of a PhD at 2014 September 1, with normally a minimum of two years' postdoctoral experience.

In addition, it is desirable that candidates should have a high volume of high-quality research outputs, be of high standing in their field and have a strong ability to communicate their science effectively. The proposed research should be timely and of high quality, and there should be a strong link with one or more of the areas of research currently undertaken at the Armagh Observatory and an alignment with STFC strategic priorities. It is desirable also that candidates should have observational, computational or modelling expertise; experience of obtaining and/or managing grants and running an independent research programme; leadership ability and the potential to fulfil the wider community service responsibilities of an academic career; the ability clearly to present a high-quality 5-year research plan; and long-term career goals that align closely with the objectives of the STFC Fellowship scheme.

For full details of the STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellowships (2013) scheme and the responsibilities of successful candidates for such positions, see the STFC web-site: www.stfc.ac.uk/1826.aspx. The successful candidate will be expected to develop an independent research programme in his or her field of expertise, make a leading contribution to the Observatory's research profile, and attract research grants and research personnel into Armagh while playing a full role in all Observatory activities. It is expected that the successful candidate will work closely with one or more of the Research Astronomers at Armagh Observatory in a research area that will complement or extend the range of current research carried out at Armagh.

Any successful STFC Ernest Rutherford Fellow will be expected to play a full role in the group of postdoctoral researchers, PhD students and occasional visitors to the Armagh Observatory of which he/she will be a part. This will include attending regional, national or international conferences and participating in astronomical field trips, which may occur at unsocial times, and carrying out any other duties commensurate with the grade as deemed necessary by the Director of the Armagh Observatory.

There will be opportunities to become involved in a limited amount of teaching at various levels, which may include lecturing at nearby universities; student training or public outreach; supervising school and undergraduate students for periods of work-experience or summer project work; and assisting in the delivery of the Observatory's programme Science in the Community, including lifelong learning and public understanding of science.

The successful candidate will be required to manage the research grant according to STFC regulations. In addition, he/she will be required to provide periodic summary reports of his/her activities, including contributing to the Observatory's Annual Report, and information such as details of any grants received, allocations of telescope time, and lists of publications, talks, etc., and corresponding information for any students or other staff for whom she or he has responsibility,

Enquiries and requests for further information may be made to any of the senior astronomers at Armagh Observatory or to the Director, Professor M.E. Bailey, at mebarm.ac.uk. Information about the Armagh Observatory may be obtained by consulting the web-site: star.arm.ac.uk.

The closing date for receipt of applications for this preselection is 2013 August 16. Applicants should obtain an application pack from the Administrator or from the Observatory web-site, and send the completed application form and attachments including a full curriculum vitae, statement of research interests and complete bibliography to: The Administrator, Armagh Observatory, College Hill, Armagh BT61 9DG, Northern Ireland (Tel: +44-(0)28-3752-2928; FAX: +44-(0)28-3752-7174; e-mail: jcdarm.ac.uk). Candidates should arrange for references from two or three referees to be sent to the same address as early as possible to ensure full consideration of the application.

The Armagh Observatory is an equal opportunities employer.

Last Revised: 2013 July 8th