The Solar Physics group is a highly experienced group within UCL’s Department of Space and Climate Physics of which the Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) is part) at the forefront of solar physics research in the UK.  For over 5 decades we have played a leading role in international space missions and are currently the PI group for the EIS (EUV Imaging Spectrometer) instrument on Hinode, and Co-PI on the EUI (EUV Imager) instrument onboard Solar Orbiter. We have additional roles leading the development of the short wavelength camera for Solar C EUVST and complementary interests in the development activities for the European Solar Telescope (EST) and the Square Kilometre Array (SKA). Our research activities focus on the evolution of the solar magnetic field, its role in driving solar activity, and the subsequent energy release and transport processes that underpin space weather. Our team includes three academics, two research associates and six PhD students.

The Department is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills, surrounded by woodland. Space science is a discipline that demands highly innovative technologies, and the Department has an international reputation for excellence in this area. UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since MSSL was established in 1967, we have participated in 62 successfully operating satellite missions with the European Space Agency, NASA (US), Japan, Russia and China and 107 sub-orbital experiments. 

We now have an opportunity for a new lecturer in Solar Physics to join our team. Applicants should have a strong background in solar physics (e.g., data analysis, modelling, simulations), and a desire to lead a research portfolio that complements the current activities of the group. An interest in supporting the development of new instrumentation for space missions is highly desirable, and the successful applicant will be expected to contribute actively to existing development projects as well as to lead new ones. The successful applicant will also be expected to contribute to the departmental teaching portfolio, including the supervision of research students and Masters’ level projects, and expected and encouraged to participate in wider group and departmental scientific activities.  Space mission consortia are multi-national, and the Solar Physics group has strong international research collaborations so the post-holder will be expected to travel both in support of mission and instrument development and to present their work at relevant national and international conferences and workshops.

The salary range for this post is £46,414 to £54,841 per annum (including Fringe London Allowance of £2,100).  From 1st August 2023 the Department will be entitled to full London Allowance.  

For informal enquires please contact Professor Sarah Matthews (sarah.matthews@ucl.ac.uk). 

For more details please visit the UCL job pages.

Closing Date: 30th June 2023