University of Oxford - Department of Physics

University of Oxford - Department of Physics

University Lectureship in Astrophysics associated with a Tutorial Fellowship at Keble College, Oxford

The Post
The Department of Physics proposes to appoint a University Lecturer in Astrophysics with effect from 1st October, 2002 or as soon as possible thereafter. Preference will be given to applicants with a strong background in observational astronomy and astronomical instrumentation. However, well-qualified candidates in other areas of astronomy are also encouraged to apply. The Lectureship is associated with a Tutorial Fellowship at Keble College, and the particulars of the college appointment are supplied in a separate attachment. A copy of the University's "Standard Conditions for Stipendiary University Lecturerships in Science" is also appended.

The University of Oxford is over 700 years old and has a strong collegiate nature. The individual Colleges being a microcosm of multi-disciplinary academic expertise, whilst the science departments are organized along disciplinary lines. Inter-disciplinary interactions are strongly encouraged, where appropriate. Teaching is shared between the University and the Colleges, with lectures, classes, laboratories, examinations and postgraduate research supervision being normally department-based whereas tutorial teaching (typically in groups of 2 or more students) is college-based, as is the process through which students are selected for entry at undergraduate level. University Lecturers have joint appointments and normally have office facilities in, and are fully involved in the activities of, both the Department and the College.

Background to Astrophysics within Oxford
The Lecturer will be based in the Sub-Department of Astrophysics which is one of the six sub-departments that together make up the Department of Physics. The other subdepartments are (1) Atomic and Laser Physics, (2) Atmospheric, Oceanic and Planetary Physics, (3) Condensed Matter Physics, (4) Particle and Nuclear Physics and (5) Theoretical Physics. The Department of Physics currently comprises about 80 University-funded academic staff, 200 other postdoctoral researchers and visitors, 220 graduate students and 580 registered undergraduate students. The Sub-Department of Astrophysics consists of over 50 research-active staff, of whom 10 are established university appointments (permanent), 18 are post-doctoral researchers and 20 are research students. There are two statutory Professorships, the Savilian Professorship (held by J. Silk since 1/1/99) the newly created Philip Wetton Chair in Astrophysics, to which R. L. Davies has recently been appointed. In addition, there are several astrophysicists in the Sub-Department of Theoretical Physics.

The Astrophysics Sub-Department is situated in the Denys Wilkinson Building which is close to the centre of Oxford and the extensive University Parks. The Laboratory has excellent library, teaching and workshop facilities. The Sub-Department has grown steadily in recent years. J. Silk, Head of Astrophysics, has established a theoretical research group studying cosmology, galaxy formation and dark matter. The recent appointment of R. L. Davies marks the start of the Sub-Department's expansion in extragalctic astronomy and astronomical isntrumentation.

Oxford Astrophysics has been successful in attracting long-term Royal Society, PPARC Advanced and other Senior Research Fellows funded by a grant from the Leverhulme Trust. A PPARC rolling grant supports research into observational cosmology. The SubDepartment hosts the UK Gemini Support Group which is the interface between the UK community and the Gemini 8m telescopes. We are taking a major role in the construction of the UK-Japan near-infrared, fibre-fed, multi-object spectrograph, FMOS, for the 8m Subaru telescope. Oxford is the coordinating node for CMBNET, a European network for collaborative research into the cosmic microwave background, and for the Early Universe European network for particle cosmology. Oxford also is a node in two other European networks on Type 1a Supernovae (theory and observation), and SISCO: Spectroscopic and Imaging Surveys for Cosmology. In addition, several postdoctoral fellows are supported by individual grants from PPARC and from the European Union.

The main research topics at Oxford are as follows: Extragalactic Astronomy and Observational Cosmology (J. Baker, K. Blundell, G. Dalton, R. L. Davies (from mid-2002), R. Laing, L. Miller, S. Rawlings, J. V. Wall); Astronomical Instrumentation (G. Dalton, R. L. Davies (from mid-2002), R. Laing, P. Roche); Galactic Dynamics (J. Binney, N. Evans); Theoretical Cosmology, Galaxy Formation and Evolution, Particle Astrophysics (J. Binney, G. Bryan, P. Ferreira, S. Sarkar, J. Silk, S. Yi); High Energy Astrophysics (P. Podsiadlowski); Star formation, Dust and the Interstellar-Medium (P. Roche), Stellar Atmospheres (A. Lynas-Gray) and Stellar Chromospheres and Coronae (C. Jordan). A more detailed account of the astronomical research taking place at Oxford may be found by referring to the Astrophysics web site (http://www-astro.physics.ox.ac.uk).

Computing Facilities
Oxford is a major node of PPARC's STARLINK computing network. Computers available in Astrophysics in support of observational and theoretical research programmes currently comprise a network of 20 DEC ALPHA workstations augmented by PCs running Linux; these machines are supported by STARLINK, the University and external research grant funding. Current STARLINK software is available plus other well-established data reduction packages such as AIPS and IRAF. Computer support is provided by the STARLINK system manager plus other local expertise. A 128 node BEOWULF computer has just been installed, and will form the focus of the newly created Institute for Particle Astrophysics.

Departmental Duties
The University Lecturer is required to participate in University teaching and examining of physics (graduate and undergraduate), to carry out a programme of research in the Department, including the supervision of graduate students, to lecture and engage in advanced study and research, and to assist with administrative work under the direction of the Head of Astrophysics and the Chairman of Physics. The academic year in Oxford consists of three terms each of eight weeks duration. The normal departmental teaching load includes one or more courses of lectures during the academic year. He/she might be expected to supervise two advanced undergraduate projects per year and to undertake some demonstrating or examining duties during term. There are also college teaching duties as detailed in the the separate further particulars provided by the college (enclosed).

Application Procedure
There is no specific application form, but letters of application should be accompanied by a curriculum vitae, a list of publications, a statement of research interests and a research programme, an indication of teaching experience and the names of three referees familiar with the applicant's work. Applications quoting Reference DB02003 should be sent by 15th May 2002 to:
Mrs. Sue Blackshaw
Nuclear and Astrophysics Laboratory
Keble Road
Oxford, OX1 3RH
England
U.K. applicants should submit six copies of their application, while overseas applicants need only submit one copy. The referees should be asked to send references directly to Prof. J. Silk by the above date. Questions can be addressed to Prof. Joe Silk, Head of Astrophysics, Univ. of Oxford (silk@astro.ox.ac.uk) or to Prof. Roger Davies (roger.davies@durham.ac.uk).

Applicants should ensure that their application includes contact numbers and addresses (telephone, fax, e-mail) which could be used to contact them quickly during May. Applications but not letters of reference will be acknowledged.

Appointment Procedure
Applications will be considered by a Committee which will include representatives from within and from outside the Department, as well as from the College. Short-listed candidates will be invited for interviews and research and teaching presentations in May/June. The Department, in association with Keble College, have agreed on a standard set of criteria for assessing candidates for University Lectureships, as follows:

Education in physics or a cognate subject, with preference for candidates with a doctorate in a relevant branch of astrophysics.
Ability and readiness to teach some core areas of physics at first, second or third year level and to contribute specialist knowledge in the teaching of astrophysics.
Willingness and ability to assume the tasks of tutorial administration (selection of undergraduates, their pastoral welfare, the advising of graduates, the organisation of teaching) and to participate generally as a member of the Governing Body in the academic administration of the College.
Evidence of substantial research expertise, published in recognized archival journals, commensurate with an academic position at Oxford, in a research field as outlined in the Further Particulars.
Evidence of a realisable research plan consistent with the Department's research interests and standing.
Evidence that the candidate has the ability to obtain and supervise research grants and contracts with associated RAs, to undertake national and international research collaborations, to help with the administration of physics, and to supervise DPhil students.
Demonstrated ability to identify key problems and generate ideas on how to solve them, including perseverance and expertise to carry out solutions.
Evidence of academic leadership and of contributions to the academic profession, for example through involvement in National committees or public outreach activities.

In considering appointment at the level of University Lecturer, the Selection Committee will apply these criteria bearing in mind the stage reached in a candidate's career.

The successful candidate will be appointed according to age on the Oxford lecturer scale, a copy of which is appended. In wholly exceptional circumstances, selection committees may propose the appointment of an individual at a salary within the scale at any point above the standard age-wage point. Selection committees may also, in wholly exceptional cases, propose the awarding within the scale of additional increments above the age-wage point to lecturers at any time during their appointment. This salary scale is unique to Oxford and its top point is above the top substantive point of the national lecturer B scale. It has no bar. If the successful candidate is appointed to the associated college posts, the combined university and college salary would be according to age on a scale up to £41,797 per annum. There are significant additional sums for housing (pensionable), research allowance and assistance with house purchase (see College Further Particulars). The lecturer will have the option of becoming or remaining a member of the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS). Additional remuneration is paid to those undertaking examining and graduate supervision.

Upon completion of an initial period of appointment (which is normally five years), a university lecturer is eligible for reappointment until retiring age, subject to the provisions of the Statutes, Decrees and Regulations of the University. Evidence of teaching and lecturing competence and of substantial progress in research are prerequisites for reappointment to the retiring age. The lecturer will be required to retire not later than the 30 September immediately preceding the 66th birthday.

All appointments are subject to the relevant provisions of the Statutes, Decrees and Regulations of the University in force from time to time, a collected volume of which is published as occasion requires.

All university lecturers, with other members of the academic staff and certain senior academic-related staff, are normally members of Congregation, which is the University's ultimate governing body. Congregation's approval is required for all university statutes or amendments to statutes, and for major policy decisions, and the members of Congregation constitute the electorate for ten of the members of the main executive body (the Council of the University) and for members of a number of other university committees. Twenty or more members of Congregation may initiate the discussion by Congregation of matters of university policy, and any two members may ask questions about the policy or administration of the University. The person appointed to this post will receive fully details soon after he or she takes up the appointment.

The holder of this post is eligible to apply for sabbatical leave. In general, one term of sabbatical leave is available for each six terms of qualifying service: qualifying service is built up on a rolling basis, so that leave which is not taken is not lost (although qualifying service does not accrue beyond the maximum of 18 terms). Further details are available on request.

The University encourages links with industry and other outside bodies. Although the holding of outside appointments such as consultancies must be approved by divisional boards, no limit as such is set on the amount of money individuals may receive in this way. The criterion is the amount of time such appointments take up: a maximum of 30 days per annum may be spent on such activities before any deduction in stipend is considered.

The Statutes, Decrees and Regulations of the University record the extent of the University's claims to intellectual property, and the proportions in which exploitation revenues are shared with researchers. Copies of the relevant extracts are available on request.

The University's appraisal scheme is designed to further personal development and to encourage reflection on institutional arrangements. It is not linked to arrangements for pay, promotion or probation. Under the scheme, discussions with appraisers are held every five years, and more frequently if requested by appraisers or appraisees.

The University has generous maternity leave arrangements. Provided that they have at least 26 weeks service with the University at the fifteenth week before the expected date of birth, or have at any time been eligible to receive full-rate Statutory Maternity Pay or were at any stage entitled to the benefits of a previous employers paid maternity leave scheme, women may choose between two schemes offering combinations of maternity leave on full and half pay: both schemes also offer periods of unpaid leave. Arrangements are available for the flexible use of untaken unpaid leave to enable a phased return to full duties; for women to return to work on a part-time basis after the birth of their child; and for paternity leave.

The University has two nurseries providing 94 places for the children of staff and students. Some of these places are reserved for nominees of the University Press and certain colleges. For more information and an application form contact the Childcare Officer at the University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford OX1 2JD, tel: 01865 270567. Further details about the university nurseries can be found on the University's website: www.admin.ox.ac.uk/eop/child/chc.htm. For school-aged children, the University has an arrangement with a local playscheme that offers discounted prices for staff and students. The playscheme runs every school holiday including half-terms. For details of this and other childcare facilities in Oxfordshire contact the Childcare Officer.

Equality of opportunity: The policy and practice of the University of Oxford require that entry into employment with the University and progression within employment will be determined only by personal merit and the application of criteria which are related to the duties of each particular post and the relevant salary structure. Subject to statutory provisions, no applicant or member of staff will be treated less favourably than another because of his or her sex, marital status, racial group, or disability. In all cases, ability to perform the job will be the primary consideration. Where suitably qualified individuals are available, selection committees will contain at least one member of each sex.

wwwauth@astro.ox.ac.uk
Last modified: Mon Mar 11 17:39:37 GMT 2002