696 Best play Jobs in Wednesbury (May 2026) - page 4

Post Doctoral Research Associate in Laboratory Astrochemistry (Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MK7 6AA)

2 days ago

Quinton

The Open University is the UKs largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this___ (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link). Applications are invited for a three-year Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. This postdoctoral role forms a central part of an STFC-funded project that integrates advanced laboratory techniques with JWST observations to investigate the chemical and physical properties of interstellar ices. JWST has revealed unprecedented detail in midinfrared ice absorption features, but the major bands particularly the 3m OHstretch and 4.27m CO stretch remain challenging to interpret due to intertwined effects of ice composition, thermal evolution, and scattering from grain growth. This project aims to address these challenges by generating the systematic laboratory datasets and optical constants needed to disentangle these influences and support robust interpretation of JWST ice spectra. The postholder will lead a coordinated programme of experiments across three work packages. Using ultra-high vacuum ice film deposition techniques, they will systematically investigate how ice composition and thermal history shape mid-infrared band profiles, producing a comprehensive spectral library and deriving accurate optical constants. They will also develop and apply a novel acoustic-levitation system to study microscopic ice aggregates, enabling controlled laboratory measurements of scattering effects relevant to grain growth in dense molecular clouds. Across all work packages the postholder will acquire and analyse highresolution midinfrared spectra and work closely with members of the OU astrochemistry team to incorporate the new laboratory data into the interpretation of (pre-)existing JWST ice observations, as well as to respond to observationally driven laboratory data needs. This role offers the opportunity to contribute foundational laboratory data that will inform radiativetransfer models, constrain ice mantle composition and physical properties in starforming regions, and shape the interpretation of JWST ice observations. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering highimpact publications, developing experimental methods, and advancing our understanding of the origins of molecular complexity in space. About the group you would join You will be based in the Open Universitys School of Physical Sciences and work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and connections to external research facilities. You will work across the Physics and Astronomy Disciplines in a collaborative and supportive environment, benefitting from internationally recognised expertise in molecular physics, astrochemistry and observational astronomy, including researchers who play leading roles in JWST ice consortia. The person appointed to the post will undertake duties that include: • Working with, and in support of, the key objectives and deliverables of the research grant that funds this role, to ensure the project is successfully delivered., • Leading laboratory-based experimental work on interstellar ice analogues, including preparation, characterisation and analysis of samples., • Developing, refining and optimising experimental apparatus, techniques, and laboratory methods to advance the projects research objectives., • Carrying out advanced analysis of laboratory data and contributing to the interpretation of JWST ice observations., • Preparing and publishing high-quality research outputs in leading international journals., • Follow the Universitys Research Ethics and Health and Safety policies., • Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies., • Attend and complete appropriate staff development events and courses. Essential: • PhD in Experimental Physics/Physical Chemistry, Laboratory Astrochemistry or a closely related field., • Experience working with at least two of the following laboratory techniques: ultra-high vacuum, cryogenics, infrared spectroscopy, thin-film deposition, or ice aerosols., • Demonstrable ability to develop, adapt and improve experimental systems and maintain sustained progress in laboratory work., • Strong analytical and problemsolving skills, including experience analysing spectroscopic datasets, undertaking band-profile analysis and deconvolution, and critically scrutinising band assignments and spectral features., • Experience developing or using dataanalysis tools (in Python or Origin) with the ability to organise, document, and prepare laboratory datasets for wider use, including potential submission to community databases., • Ability to diagnose and resolve experimental issues effectively and safely, ensuring good laboratory practice at all times., • Ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing., • Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team, and to foster links with other groups., • A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals., • Knowledge and understanding in two or more of the following areas:, • Ice chemistry and physics, • Molecular spectroscopy (vibrational, electronic, rotational, solid state), • Scattering models (Mie, Rayleigh, Continuous Distribution of Ellipsoids), • Determination of optical constants, • Thin-film laser interference techniques, • Acoustic levitation, aerosol physics, or spectroscopy of solid-state particulate samples (excluding solution-based methods), • Familiarity with JWST ice data or the interpretation of observational ice spectra., • Ability to explore and test alternative experimental approaches to achieve the scientific objectives., • Experience contributing to open source scientific tools or spectral databases. If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on or email quoting the advert reference number. At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our ___ (clicking this link will open a new window). We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether its a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you. Work location This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes offices where we require onsite attendance each week. This is a laboratorybased research role that requires the postholder to work on site in Milton Keynes each day to carry out experimental duties. Some flexible working arrangements may be possible for nonlaboratory tasks and can be discussed with candidates. If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place onsite in Milton Keynes on 17th or 18th June. While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics. To apply for this role please submit the following document(s): • CV

Play jobs in Wednesbury - Page 4Create job alerts

Popular jobs searches in Wednesbury

Popular play jobs locations