Postdoctoral Researcher in Machine Learning for Exoplanet Atmospheric Modelling

Job location: Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid. Department: School of Physical Sciences. Salary: £38,784 to £46,049. Closing date: 1 May 2026. Contract: 3 year fixed term, ending 30 September 2029.

The School of Physical Sciences at the Open University invites applications for a 3 year fixed term postdoctoral researcher in machine learning for exoplanet atmosphere modelling. The research will be carried out with Dr Joanna Barstow and Dr Hugh Dickinson as part of the STFC funded project 'Rainbow Connection: Exoplanet Cloud Scattering Via Neural Networks'. The role will involve developing a neural network based emulator for Mie scattering calculations, integrating the emulator into the NemesisPy atmospheric model, and applying this to James Webb Space Telescope data to constrain hot Jupiter cloud composition.

• Develop, train and test a neural network Mie scattering emulator.
• Use existing Mie scattering routines to construct training and test data sets.
• Model exoplanet transmission spectra and compare to observational data; may also include writing telescope proposals to obtain further data.
• Lead scientific publications related to the research outcomes.
• Work with and provide day to day support to PhD students in exoplanet atmospheres.
• Disseminate the research at major national and international conferences.
• Develop independence by leading observing proposals and coordinating work within international teams.

All Staff are expected to:

• Co operate with the Open University in ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, codes of practice, university policies and departmental health and safety arrangements.
• Carry out the role consistently with equality legislation and university policies.
• Attend or complete appropriate staff development events or courses.

Essential:

• PhD in Astronomy, Astrophysics or a related field.
• Experience in modelling exoplanet atmospheres or applying machine learning techniques, especially neural networks, to astrophysical data.
• A developing track record of peer reviewed publications in international journals.
• Experience of Python programming for scientific data processing and analysis.
• Time management and project planning skills.
• Ability to present research both orally and in scientific writing.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a diverse team.

Desirable:

• Experience in spectral retrieval of exoplanet atmospheres.
• Experience working with JWST observations of exoplanets.

To apply, please submit the following documents:

• Curriculum Vitae.
• Supporting Statement (max 1000 words, outlining how your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria).

Support and adjustment inquiries can be directed to or email , referencing advert reference number 1497.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all under represented groups. All decisions are made without regard to race, color, national, ethnic, religious, gender, disability, age, or any other protected characteristic.