Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
8124
Job title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Reports to:
Lecturer
Salary:
£30,122 - £35,938
Terms and conditions:
Research Staff
Grade:
Academic Grade 2
Duration of post:
Temporary, 3 years
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
9 August 2012
Type of application form accepted:
Short
Number of referees required:
2
Unit recruitment contact:
Fiona McGavin
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
This postdoctoral position is funded by the STFC/UKSA as part of the project “Environment,
habitability, and the physics of the Martian polar caps”.
In this project, we aim to better understand the behaviour of the martian polar caps, where not
only water but also CO2 has a strong influence on the thermal environment. We need to know
whether the residual polar cap is a transitory or permanent feature in the current Martian
climate and only a good understanding of the relevant energetic processes can help answer
this fundamental question.
We will use experiments under controlled conditions to investigate the absorption of sunlight at
depth in ices (the so-called solid state greenhouse effect, SSGE) and how mixtures of dust
and ice evolve. Numerical simulations will then be used to model the SSGE in these ices.
Experiments will include CO2 and water ice under Martian conditions (pressure, temperature,
radiation, different surface structures). The laboratory studies will build upon earlier work
performed by Kaufmann et al. (2006). At the martian polar caps, the SSGE may not only be of
great importance for the sublimation and re-condensation of CO2 and its circulation in the
atmosphere, in connection with the so-called ‘spiders’, small, circular, dendritic network
landforms, found in the martian southern hemisphere, it might be responsible for ingesting
orders of magnitude more dust into the atmosphere than dust devils or global dust storms.
This fascinating and ambitious project requires an experienced researcher (PDRA) familiar
with environmental simulations, in particular gases at low temperatures and pressures, with a
sound understanding of the mathematical models of thermodynamics and proficiency in
thermal modelling.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to explore developing this program through other
techniques and collaborations.
Main duties
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To perform experiments involving volatile mixtures at low temperatures and pressures
To model the behaviour of volatiles in a martian environment using appropriate software,
such as COMSOL and IDL.
To write papers on the research and publish them in peer-reviewed journals and present
findings at international conferences and workshops.
To carry out administrative tasks associated with the work, such as selection and
procurement of equipment
Other Duties
All staff are expected to:
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Comply with the University’s Health and Safety and Equal Opportunities policies in the
performance of their duties.
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Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person
who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
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Co-operate with the Open University in ensuring as far as is necessary, that Statutory
Requirements, Codes of Practice, University Policies and Departmental Health and Safety
arrangements are complied with.
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Have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity.
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Attend appropriate staff development events.
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January 2010
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Challenges and opportunities
This project offers the opportunity to develop
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An interdisciplinary understanding of Solar System formation
A cross-disciplinary understanding planetary surface evolution, taking into account
experimental and numerical techniques
An opportunity to develop a good portfolio of published research at the boundary between
planetary and cometary physics
3. Person specification
Essential
 Completed PhD in physics, geophysics, or a closely related field, with a specialisation in
planetary physics
 Experience of environmental simulations involving ices at low temperatures and pressures
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Experience in numerical modelling, in particular of thermodynamic processes
Ability to communicate research results effectively as demonstrated by a record of peer
reviewed papers and conference talks.
Desirable
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Proficiency in COMSOL
Experience in MatLab and IDL
Experience with cryo-simulations involving solar simulators
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
Faculty of Science
The Faculty has a staff of about 310, comprising of around 115 academic staff (central
and regional/national) with the balance made up of research staff, curriculum managers,
laboratory staff, administrators and clerical staff. There are also varying numbers of
research students and visiting academic staff.
The Faculty has three departments, each with constituent discipline groups:
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
 Earth Sciences
 Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
 Brain & Behavioural Sciences
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January 2010
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Cell & Molecular Biology
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Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
Human Biology
Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
 Physics
 Planetary & Space Sciences
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports a broad-based Natural Sciences programme leading
ultimately to an honours degree. After an interdisciplinary introduction to science,
students may specialise in astronomy, planetary science, biology, health sciences,
chemistry, analytical science, environmental science, Earth sciences, or physics – or
they may choose to continue with a broad spread of subjects. Separate honours
degrees in Environmental Sciences and Health Sciences are also offered.
At post-graduate level, the Faculty supports an MSc programme with a number of
pathways to suit students interested in working directly in a scientific profession or in
extending their science knowledge and awareness in other areas of life and work. A
number of degrees and postgraduate diplomas are offered including the MSc in
Professional Science, which is a qualification designed specifically with the workplace in
mind and which develops both scientific and managerial skills and expertise.
Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics
that brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas
through three major research groupings:
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The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Biomedical Research Network (BRN)
Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics
(eSTEeM)
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to
find solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of
Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly
developing in response to external research opportunities.
We have over 4500 square metres of state-of-the-art research laboratories with major
research facilities that include:
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A recently opened facility for interdisciplinary research in ecosystems and
geobiology.
One of Europe’s leading centres for isotope mass spectrometry including
extensive radiogenic, noble gas and stable isotope mass spectrometry facilities
and a new £3 million microbeam facility, including a Cameca Nanosims ion
imaging system and dual beam FIB-SEM
Ultraclean spacecraft instrument testing and assembly, and for handling
planetary materials and returned extraterrestrial samples
A state-of-the-art life sciences research facility including biological containment
laboratories, molecular genetics and DNA-sequencing laboratories
Environmental and transmission electron microscopy
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January 2010
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Hypervelocity Impact laboratory
Well equipped laboratories for research in atomic, molecular and plasma
research
eSTEeM (http://www.open.ac.uk/about/teaching-and-learning/esteem/ ) is an
initiative to bring together academics within Science and the Faculty of Maths,
Computing and Technology to develop new approaches to teaching and learning.
This centre builds on existing collaborations developed within the Centres for
Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs) based at the OU and with other
Faculties, aiming to embed new approaches around priority areas such as eassessment, online experimentation, etc.
Further information on the Faculty can be found on our website at
http://www8.open.ac.uk/science/main/.
Department of Physical Sciences
Head of Department: Professor Monica Grady
The Department of Physical Sciences (DPS) is a lively and innovative department of
around 150 staff and postgraduate research students drawn from across the globe.
DPS has grown from the merger of the former Department of Physics and Astronomy
with the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute and the Planetary Surfaces
Group from the former Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The Department comprises three Disciplines:
Astronomy (Head: Dr Stephen Serjeant)
Physics (Head: Professor Nick Braithwaite)
Planetary and Space Sciences (Head: Professor Ian Wright)
The Department’s research is co-ordinated through the Centre for Earth, Planetary,
Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) http://cepsar.open.ac.uk/, and covers a
wide range of subjects – from the behaviour of atoms at temperatures close to absolute
zero to the merger of galaxies many light years away. Studies range from the building
blocks of stars and planets by microscopes, and stars and planets themselves by both
ground- and space-based telescopes. The common thread that runs through research
in these areas is a desire to understand the origin of matter, and how it has evolved
from the Big Bang almost 14 billion years ago to what we can observe and measure
today. There are several research groups lead by staff in DPS including the Centre for
Electronic Imaging (CEI), the Cold Atoms Group, the Cosmochemistry Research Group
(CRG), the Exoplanets Group and the Planetary Surfaces and Atmospheres Group
(GASP).
The Department enjoys full use of CEPSAR’s exceptionally well equipped research
facilities and has an unparalleled suite of analytical instrumentation in modern
laboratories on campus; this is complemented by the regular use of multi-national
facilities such as the Diamond synchrotron, the European Southern Observatory, the
Hubble Space Telescope, the Herschel Space Observatory, the James Clerk Maxwell
Telescope, and many other facilities.
The Department’s teaching is mainly within the Physical Science curriculum, with
additional significant contributions to the Geoscience strand. DPS are also major drivers
of the Science Faculty’s flagship introductory science course, Exploring Science (S104),
and its new second level practical science courses, Practical science: physics and
astronomy (SXP288) and Practical science: Earth and environment (SXG288).
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January 2010
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6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Dr Axel Hagermann by email to a.hagermann@open.ac.uk .
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Michelle Duke on
+44 (0)1908 659672 or email science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Your application should include:
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Cover letter
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Short application form
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CV
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List of publications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 9 August 2012
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Fiona McGavin, Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Faculty of Science
Address:
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Prof Monica Grady. The other members of the
interview panel will be Dr Axel Hagermann and Dr Matt Balme. Interviews will take place in
the week commencing 27 August 2012.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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January 2010
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