About the Role
Since its inception, The Open University (OU) has focused on innovation in teaching and learning, with a track record of providing inspiring, world-leading programmes of higher education for students who learn at a distance. Building on award-winning initiatives such as the OpenSTEM Labs, the University is committed to delivering the highest quality teaching, together with excellent research. We provide rewarding academic career paths that are focused on world-class teaching, research, and knowledge exchange.
The role holder will be a physical scientist who will contribute to the Faculty’s research objectives by having responsibility for the running of science experiments on behalf of researchers using the Laboratoire Météorologie Dynamique (LMD) Venus Planetary Climate Model, as well as other atmospheric models. This will include experiment preparation, execution, post-processing and visualisation as part of data analysis supporting research projects. The work will support a Venus mission in preparation.
The role holder will also provide training for internal and visiting researchers and post-graduate students on the use of Venus climate models for undertaking physical science experiments. The role holder will work with external collaborators to ensure that the models utilised for Venus climate studies are maintained and kept up-to-date as new physical parameterisations are developed.
School of Physical Sciences
The School of Physical Sciences is a lively and innovative community of approximately 85 academic and research staff and 70 PhD students, mostly based in Milton Keynes. Our curriculum is supported by associate lecturer staff based all over the UK and Ireland whilst each year our physics, astronomy and planetary sciences and interdisciplinary science modules are studied by thousands of students all over the world.
Our research covers a wide range of subjects, broadly aligned with the research disciplines of
- Astronomy
- Physics
- Planetary and Space Sciences
- Space Instrumentation
- Physics Education
We have an extensive suite of world class facilities and laboratories, including advanced analytical instrumentation, experimental and simulation chambers and instrument development laboratories, complemented by regular use of large-scale facilities such as synchrotrons (e.g. Diamond) and a wide array of ground based and space-based telescopes (e.g. VLT, Hubble) as well as our own robotic telescopes in Tenerife. We play a major role in many well-known space missions such as Rosetta and ExoMars. We also apply much of our spaceflight and laboratory expertise to a wide array of real-world problems including medical and environmental applications.
Key Responsibilities
- Work with the Professor of Planetary Science and research fellow to design and perform physical sciences experiments using Venus climate models.
- Liaise with users and collaborators (both internal and external) for the design of physical sciences experiments.
- Prepare supporting material as input to manuscripts as required.
- Carry out experiments on behalf of OU researchers to compare data acquired from spacecraft missions with the climate model as they become available.
- Undertake the in-house training of research personnel (postgraduate students, postdoctoral research associates, visiting researchers and academics) in the operation of the model as required, including visualisation and post-processing software as appropriate.
- Ensure the timely updating of the model to include new physical parameterisations, using the appropriate version control paradigms.
- Carry out administrative tasks associated with the work, such as documenting experiments and code updates.
All Staff are expected to:
- Undertake any other duties which may be reasonably required
- Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity
To access the full Job Description for more information on this new opportunity and the School of Physical Sciences, please follow the link found HERE.
Skills and Experience
Essential:
- Educated to doctorate level in an atmospheric physics subject
- Excellent knowledge and experience of Venus atmospheric physics
- Experience in running physical sciences experiments using Venus climate models
- Knowledge of spacecraft atmospheric observations
- Experience in Fortran and Python programming and the ability to produce graphical output from numerical data
- Experience using version control software
- Demonstrated ability to solve problems and come up with new ideas
- Good oral and written communication skills
- Can demonstrate being a good team worker and able to work under own initiative
Desirable:
- Experience in conducting physical science experiments using numerical models
- Experience in running Venus atmospheric models
The role holder is expected to work flexibly as required. The exact requirements will vary and will be agreed in advance by the role holder and the line manager.
Essential Requirements
To apply for this role please submit the following;
- CV that includes details of academic qualifications, teaching and research experience, grants received and publications.
- Answer the 1-set application question.
You will need to have your CV ready ahead of submitting the electronic application.
Next Steps
Interview date: Likely to be Thursday 19th June via MS Teams.
Candidates will be notified as soon as possible after the closing date whether they have been shortlisted for interview.
Work location
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that attendance on our Milton Keynes campus will be required when necessary and in response to business needs, for example for laboratory-based research and/or supervision of research students or occasional team meetings.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.
