Summary
The School of Physics and Astronomy and Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy at the University of Birmingham invite applications for a faculty position in experimental physics at the Assistant Professor level.
The focus of this position is in the area of gravitational wave detectors and laser interferometry.
You will contribute to a range of research, teaching and administration. In addition you will be expected to demonstrate academic citizenship, developing and maintaining generous, mutually respectful and supportive working relationships with all staff and students, and ensuring the way you carry out your role impacts positively on how others can carry out theirs.
Teaching is likely to include a substantial contribution to: (a) the management, development (including programme/module review) and delivery of teaching and assessment; and (b) enhancement of the student experience or employability. The role will typically also involve developing and advising others, including: (a) providing expert advice to staff and students, (b) supervising and examining PhD students, and (c) developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods.
Research is likely to involve initiating, conducting and disseminating original research. Your research will have measurable outcomes reflect in your growing national (and ideally international) reputation.
Management and administration is likely to involve contributions at Departmental and School level, and/or making an important contribution to some managerial/leadership activities (. working groups) within the University. This may include developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach, or similar activities at Department/School level or further within the University.
The Institute for Gravitational Wave Astronomy provides a vibrant and diverse research environment with expertise across many areas of physics and astronomy, from theoretical to experimental gravitational-wave research with applications to present and future observatories: detectors R&D, quantum optomechanics and amplifiers, seismometers and position sensors, axion interferometry, gravitational-wave observations, data analysis, transient astronomy, theoretical astrophysics, gravitational-wave source modelling including numerical relativity. Further information concerning the areas in experimental physics can be found at:
Institute members play important roles in the LIGO Scientific Collaboration - including upgrades to the LIGO detectors and next generation gravitational wave observatories (Einstein Telescope and Cosmic Explorer) - the Quantum Interferometry for New Physics programme, the LISA Consortium, the European and International Pulsar Timing Array collaborations, and in surveys such as ENGRAVE, STARGATE and LSST. The Institute has excellent laboratory and computer facilities. Current institute faculty members include Alberto Vecchio, Clement Bonnerot, Ben Gompertz, Denis Martynov, Sean Mcgee, Geraint Pratten, Patricia Schmidt, and Teng Zhang.
As part of your online application, applicants should include: (i) a CV, including full publication list, (ii) a statement of future research plans and objectives (max 3 pages), (iii) a statement on teaching experience (max 2 pages).
Main Duties
Education
Using a variety of methods in teaching and advising individuals and groups of undergraduates, postgraduates, or CPD students, including (as appropriate):
teaching and examining courses at a range of levels; planning and reviewing your own teaching approaches and encouraging others to do the same; designing contemporary, inclusive, engaging and academically challenging curriculum content; working collaboratively with colleagues to design and deliver teaching, learning and assessment; using digital resources/environments effectively to support learning and assessment; developing programme proposals and making substantial contributions to the design of teaching programmes more widely; where appropriate, undertaking and developing the full range of responsibilities in relation to supervision, marking and examining; developing and advising others on learning and teaching tasks and methods; developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement activities or similar on own specialism that enhances the student experience or employability and which benefits the College and University; devising and supervising projects, student dissertations and practical work. Research
Planning and carrying out research, including (as appropriate):
planning and publishing high quality research, including winning financial support; project managing research activities, and/or supervising other research staff; presenting findings in publications and conference proceedings; effectively supervising and mentoring PhD students or early Career Researchers; providing expert advice to staff and students within the discipline; participating in research-related enabling activities such as adding value to a cross disciplinary network; applying knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding; developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, and enterprise (including business engagement, public engagement) and similar activity that is of benefit to the College and the University, including ensuring that the impact of your activities is realised fully and the impact is documented. Management/Administration
Contributing to Departmental/School administration, including:
contributing to the administration/management of research and/or teaching across the Department/School; leading and managing a team to devise and implement a new and/or revised process (. new programme or a recruitment drive); advising on personal development of colleagues and students; making a major contribution to some administrative activities within the University (. appeals panels, working groups); managing enterprise, business development, and public engagement activities; developing and making substantial contributions to knowledge transfer, enterprise, business engagement, public engagement, widening participation, schools outreach. actively manages equality, diversity and inclusion through monitoring and evaluation and actively challenging unacceptable behaviour. Citizenship
Contributing to an inclusive working environment:
demonstrating a willingness to be involved in a variety of activities supporting University life (., participation in graduation, Departmental/School committees); demonstrating support for colleagues, such as sharing resources, providing advice; willingness to volunteer for one-off duties (such as supporting School, Institute, and Departmental projects); positively engaging in School strategic initiatives; proactive support and involvement in activities specifically contributing to a positive and inclusive community spirit across the School/College/University. Person Specification
Normally, a PhD in physics, or astronomy or mathematics or in other relevant areas, or equivalent qualifications Extensive research/teaching experience and scholarship within subject specialism Proven ability to devise, advise on and manage learning/research Skills in managing, motivating and mentoring others successfully at all levels Teaching
Ability to design, deliver, assess and revise teaching programmes Extensive experience and demonstrated success in developing appropriate approaches to learning and teaching, and advising colleagues Experience and success in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity that enhances the student experience or employability Research
Experience and achievement reflected in a growing reputation Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project managing research to deliver high quality results Extensive experience of applying and/or developing and devising successful models, techniques and methods Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity Management Administration
Ability to contribute to School/Departmental management processes Ability to assess and organise resources effectively Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area Ability to monitor and evaluate the extent to which equality and diversity legislation, policies, procedures are applied Ability to identify issues with the potential to impact on protected groups and take appropriate action
