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We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more. Find out more about our benefits (opens in a new window) and join us to become part of something special.

Overview

As a Research Associate in the School of Mathematical & Physical Sciences, you will work with Dr Richard Parker to quantify the effects of heating from short-lived radioisotopes (SLRs) 26-Al and 60-Fe on the formation and evolution of planetary systems, funded by the Royal Society. We will calculate the yields from these SLRs in different astrophysical environments (e.g. dense star clusters versus sparse stellar associations), assuming a variety of different delivery mechanisms (supernovae, stellar winds). We will use these yields to model the contribution of 26-Al and 60-Fe the long-term heating of planetesimals and young planetary systems.

You will join a world leading research group on star and planet formation, and will collaborate with external partners outside of the University of Sheffield. You should have a PhD in astrophysics or geophysics and preferably numerical/theoretical/computational experience in one or more of the following fields: planet formation, star formation, fluid dynamics, N-body or hydrodynamical simulations.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Calculate the yields of short-lived radioisotopes in star-forming regions with different initial conditions. Use these yields to quantify the effects of SLR heating on young planetary systems.

• Plan and conduct theoretical/numerical research programmes related to star and planet formation.

• Keep appropriate and accurate records of all work carried out.

• Contribute to papers for publication in leading peer-reviewed scientific journals.

• Attend national/international conferences and meetings to present the results of the research undertaken and disseminate research findings.

• Write supporting documents to contribute to and support the work of the astronomy research group. For example, reports, interim reports and grant applications

• Read academic papers, journals and textbooks to keep abreast of developments.

• Continuously monitor and check results. The unpredictability of research means that daily planning needs to accommodate new developments.

• Carry out administrative roles as required; organiser of research group seminars, etc.

• Plan several months in advance to meet deadlines for journal publications and to prepare presentations and papers for collaboration meetings and conferences.

• If given a particular hypothesis to examine, plan for own contribution up to three months ahead, incorporating issues such as the availability of resources, deadlines, project milestones and overall research aims.

• As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• As a member of staff you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.

• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in early March 2026. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing no later than 2 weeks after the closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact mps-hr@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.

• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.

• Generous pension scheme.

• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.

• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).

• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.

• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways

• A range of generous family-friendly policies

  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.