Research Associate in Planetary Atmospheric ScienceUniversity

Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, fixed term contract from 01 January 2027 to 31 December 2029

Hours per week: 37.5

About the role

Infrared observations from the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have rapidly become a cornerstone in the current era of Solar System exploration. The Planetary Science Group within the School of Physics and Astronomy is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in planetary atmospheric science. You will join a team led by Professor Leigh Fletcher, and will be supported by a European Research Council (ERC) Advanced Grant known as “JWSTVoyager.”  This project aims to study the origins, atmospheres, and variability of the four giant planets using a combination of JWST, ground-based, and Juno observations. This work will ultimately prepare the team to work with data from Europe’s Extremely Large Telescope (ELT) and ESA’s JUICE mission to Jupiter in the 2030s.

The JWSTVoyager programme seeks to compare the atmospheres of the four giant planets, including (but not limited to) investigations of their bulk elemental and isotopic composition as a window on planetary origins; exploration of the ubiquitous banded structure of the giant planets and how the belts and zones differ from world to world; and studies of temporal variability within giant planet atmospheres, from the smallest-scale storms to large-scale circulation patterns. You will have access to existing (and forthcoming) observations from JWST, coupled with cutting-edge data processing tools. You will work to invert infrared and microwave spectra with a suite of radiative transfer and retrieval tools (NEMESIS), using these to derive climatological parameters (temperatures, winds, composition, and clouds), which can then be used to address the core themes of JWSTVoyager.

About you

Successful candidates will be able to evidence a strong track record in publishing planetary science research in peer-reviewed journals; a knowledge of planetary atmospheric science at an international level; and a proven record in problem solving, data analysis, and spectral modelling via code development (preferably in IDL, Python, or Fortran). You should have a PhD in a research area relevant to planetary science, and familiarity with remote sensing of planetary atmospheres. Experience working as an independent researcher, as well as collaboration within scientific consortia, would also be valuable. You should have good written and verbal communication skills in English, and be willing to travel to represent the JWSTVoyager team internationally.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Professor Leigh Fletcher ([email protected]).

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

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Advert closes midnight on: 05 November 2026

£40,704 to £46,970 per annum, pro-rata if part-time. Grade 7