Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy
The above full-time post is available, on a fixed term basis, from October 2025 to September 2028 (earlier or later start is available) the Faculty. Flexible start and finish times can be arranged for this role.
The post
The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to investigate the dynamical evolution of exoKuiper belts (debris discs). This ERC funded post is available for 3 years with a start time in October (or as early as July 2025). The successful applicant will use numerical simulations to study either the evolution of solids in debris discs as they interact with planets and stellar flybys via N-body simulations (project A), or the gas component via hydrodynamic simulations to understand how this gas evolves and shapes the dust distribution (project B). The output of these simulations will be compared with the latest ALMA and JWST observations.
The post will include: setting up and developing numerical simulations (N-body or hydrodynamical), simulating the evolution of solids or gas in exoKuiper belts, and comparing the results with ALMA observations. The successful applicant will also have the opportunity to work and co-supervise PhD, Masters and summer students.
This post is funded by the ERC Starting Grant FEED (PI: S. Marino), which starts in July 2025. Depending on the pool of applicants, up to two positions could be offered to work in projects A and B.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a recognised researcher in exoplanetary science (debris discs, protoplanetary discs, planetary system dynamics, etc) and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Depending on the project, applicants should
Project A: understand the basic principles behind the dynamical interactions between planets and debris discs, have the skills to run and adapt N-body simulations in their local computer and remote clusters, and ideally have some experience producing synthetic observations of discs using radiative transfer software. Knowledge on planet migration and dust collisional evolution would be also valuable.
Project B: be well familiarised with the hydrodynamics of circumstellar discs, have the skills to run and adapt hydrodynamical simulations to be run in remote CPU/GPU clusters, and ideally have some experience producing synthetic observations of discs using radiative transfer software. Knowledge on dust-gas interactions would be also valuable.
Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role. Applicants must submit a CV and a 2 page maximum research statement.
What we can offer you
• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment
We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.
Further information
For further information please contact Sebastian Marino, e-mail s.marino-estay@exeter.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 724080.
The closing date for completed applications is 1st of January. Interviews are expected to take place on near the end of January.
