Job Description
Job title:
Professor in Astrophysics
Department:
Physics
Grade:
Professor
Location:
Building 3 West
Job purpose
The Department of Physics at the University of Bath is a research-led Physics
Department, ranked firmly in the top 5 in the UK in the 2008 Research Assessment
Exercise. We have taken the strategic decision to broaden our research base
through the recruitment of a new research group to establish a well-funded,
independent research programme in Theoretical or Observational Astrophysics
and/or Astronomy within the Department. We therefore seek to appoint a Chair for
this group who will be supported by at least 3 new academic posts, one at Senior
Lecturer/Reader (Associate Professor) level and two at Lectureship (Assistant
Professor) level. A current academic vacancy in the Department could also be filled
in this area. Ideally we wish to have the Chair in post by January 2015.
This job description is for an appointee at Chair level who has an established
international research profile in an area of Theoretical or Observational Astrophysics
and/or Astronomy. The appointee will be a full and permanent member of the
Department, and will share fully in its life and responsibilities. S/he will be expected
to lead the establishment of a well-funded, independent Astrophysics research
programme within the Department (including obtaining support for, as well as
recruitment and supervision of, a team of post-docs and postgraduate students)
which is aligned with University, UK government (STFC), European Union and
International priority areas. We expect the appointee to promote the University and
the Department through publication in top-quality scientific journals, participation in
international conferences and outreach activities etc. The successful candidate will
also support the development and delivery of new Physics with Astrophysics
undergraduate programmes to be launched in the 2015/16 academic year.
In due course, the appointee will share in the normal teaching, administration and
management duties in the Physics Department including running tutorials and
projects, giving lectures as well as taking on key Departmental roles and participating
in key Departmental Committees.
Source and nature of management provided
Head of the Department of Physics
Main duties and responsibilities
1 Research
To establish a well-funded, independent research programme
in Theoretical or Observational Astrophysics and/or Astronomy
that is aligned with University, UK government (STFC), EU and
International priorities.
To generate and communicate scientific outputs of the highest
quality.
To maintain a personal international reputation for research
which will help attract top-quality research students, research
staff, and academic visitors to come and work at Bath.
To identify and attract funding for research, post-docs and
postgraduate students to the Department.
2 Teaching and
Learning
To support the development and delivery of new Physics with
Astrophysics undergraduate programmes to be launched in the
2015/16 academic year.
To otherwise contribute to the academic life of the Department
of Physics through engagement in the range of teaching and
learning roles within it.
To serve as a role model for undergraduate and postgraduate
students.
To identify opportunities for improving Learning and Teaching,
and to initiate changes and improvements to our systems and
processes.
To contribute to the development and delivery of undergraduate
teaching and assessment in Physics, including lectures,
problems classes, tutorials, laboratory classes, setting and
marking examinations and supervision of undergraduate
projects.
To contribute to the on-going development of postgraduate
teaching.
3 Administration
Administer research grants as appropriate.
Contribute to the Departmental Administrative load through
administration associated with individual taught units as well as
assumption of broader administrative tasks in due course.
4 Leadership and To become a full contributing member of the research
Teamwork
community within the Department of Physics.
To engage in the development of one or more specific areas.
To become an international focus for research in the field and
engage in outreach activities promoting these.
To take a full role in research, teaching and administrative
duties within the Department.
5 Planning and
Organisation
To plan and develop a research programme in Astrophysics
within the Department.
To participate in further development of a strategic outlook for
the Department, including the full range of activities taking
place within it.
You will from time to time be required to undertake other duties of a similar nature as
reasonably required by the Head of Department.
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
Assessed by
A/F
I/T
R
Qualifications
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Exceptional publication record in high quality,
peer reviewed journals.
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Proven track record of attracting research funds
and administering grants. Experience of relevant
funding sources and grant application processes.
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Experience of supervision of graduate
students.
Experience of lecturing at undergraduate
level in Physics.
Active in a nationally and internationally
important area of Astrophysics research.
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Lecturing/speaking – outstanding oral
presentation and communication skills.
Demonstrated managerial and administrative
skills.
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Inspirational communicator of scientific
concepts.
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PhD in Theoretical or Observational
Astrophysics and/or Astronomy (or related).
Experience/Knowledge
Skills
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Attributes
Established international research reputation
in Astrophysics.
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Excellent collaborator and networker.
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Demonstrated ability to attract external
research funding.
Demonstrated commitment to high quality
teaching of undergraduate physics.
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Code: A/F – Application form, I/T – Interview/Test, R - References