Research Fellow in Solar Physics

Queen's University Belfast - Physical and Environmental Sciences

Location:BelfastSalary:£42,756Hours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/ContractPlaced On:2nd February 2026Closes:23rd February 2026Job Ref:26/113093

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position in the area of Solar Physics for 8 months in the first instance. An extension of the position for an additional 3 years will be contingent on funding and performance.

The post is located within the Astrophysics Research Centre (ARC) of the School of Mathematics and Physics. The successful candidate will work on a project within the Solar Group in ARC involving the analysis and interpretation of high spatial and temporal resolution spectropolarimetric observations of the Sun’s atmosphere. The Group makes extensive use of a wide range of solar and astronomical satellites and ground-based telescopes, with current activities focused on the observations of small-scale solar magnetic fields, the modelling of oscillatory phenomena and impulsive events in the solar atmosphere. Our approach includes the implementation of machine learning models for multiline full-Stokes inversions.

About the person:

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Have or about to obtain a PhD in the physics of the solar atmosphere.
• Substantial relevant experience in:
• The reduction and analysis of solar observations from satellite-borne or ground-based instruments.
• The reduction and analysis of solar spectropolarimetric observations.
• High quality refereed publications in the field, commensurate with career stage.
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes.
• Contribute to the School’s outreach programme.

Please refer to the Candidate Information below for the full list of essential and desirable criteria. To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more on our website.

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.

If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.