Profile
I am an adaptable, conscientious and reliable graduate, with a research background in observational cosmology.  I am seeking a career in the space industry which offers me the opportunity to develop new skills, while strengthening those I already possess.  Working in this industry has been a lifelong aspiration, and having completed my Astrophysics PhD I am now looking to find a position that is more directly involved with space missions. 

My PhD has enabled me to develop good organisational skills, an analytical/logical approach to tasks and the ability to work under pressure.  I am self-motivated with a drive to see things through to completion, able to work on my own initiative or as part of a team.  My work experience shows me to be dependable, trustworthy and able to relate to a wide range of people.  I am hardworking and always apply myself to do my best and learn from any situation.
 

Key Skills
Research and Analysis
• Critical thinker with excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Experienced in extracting relevant information from technical journals.
• Able to handle large volumes of information and data, shown by my literary review of current research in my PhD field and the analysis of my own data.
• Highly skilled in understanding data and drawing statistically sound conclusions.

Computing
• Competent at using Windows, LINUX and UNIX operating systems.
• Experienced in extracting and using information from complex databases.
• Proficient with many Windows based programmes, including Microsoft Office software.
• Can produce high standard documents using LaTeX.  Have a working knowledge of HTML, used to design and maintain personal webpage on the Bristol Astrophysics Group website.
• Adept at using a variety of Astrophysics software programmes for image manipulation and analysis.  Use of packages learnt with no formal training and largely self-taught.
• Passed all modules in undergraduate C programming course, achieving a 92% average.

Problem Solving
• The problematical nature of my PhD data required a flexible and innovative approach to achieve results.  My work produced the faintest spatially resolved cluster dwarf infrared images to date.
• As a University Teaching Assistant I instigated and produced a mark scheme for undergraduate astrophysics projects, after recognising a lack of standardisation in the marking.
• Introduced a spreadsheet system for collating undergraduate project and tutorial work marks, to make the task more efficient for all Bristol University teaching assistants.

Communication
• Good communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Have produced poster presentations for international conferences, reports and a PhD thesis.
• Experience in teaching, from 1-on-1 tutoring to a lecture room of 100+ students.  Good feedback and results from tutoring, current tutee has improved his modular GCSE grades from B to A/A*, previous undergraduate tutees increased examination marks by up to 20 percentage points.
• Seminars and talks on my research given to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.

Leadership and Organisation
• Gained leadership experience through volunteering as a leader with Warminster Beaver Scouts and Manchester Youth Theatre.
• On organising committee for the UKSEDS (UK Students for the Exploration and Development of Space) 2001 National Conference.  Liaised with speakers to ensure their technical needs were met.
• Organised private tuition to take Further Maths A-level, as this was not offered at my school.

Teamwork
• Good interpersonal skills in both personal and professional life.
• PhD project was part of an international collaboration, so regularly had to communicate with colleagues abroad to coordinate research and negotiate access to data.
• Have been involved in many societies, including South Manchester Amateur Operatic Society and West Wilts Youth Orchestra (in which I rose to the position of Deputy Leader).
• Regularly enjoy sports such as rock climbing, in which teamwork is vital.

Education
PhD, Astrophysics June 2009
University of Bristol
• Awarded a fully-funded PPARC Scholarship
• Thesis Title: Exploring Dwarf Galaxies in the Infrared
• This project involved reducing and analysing infrared images; a study of the technical design of infrared detectors to understand data calibration needed; and  the use of mathematical models to constrain possible formation and evolution scenarios of sample galaxies, within the framework of current theoretical models.

MPhys, Physics with Astrophysics July 2003
University of Manchester
• Graduated with 2:1 honours
• Achieved first class marks for all laboratory modules and was awarded 82% for final year project.

A-Levels July 1999
Kingdown Community School, Warminster, Wiltshire
• A Grades (2) in: Physics, Mathematics
• B Grades (2) in: Further Mathematics, Chemistry

GCSEs July 1997
Kingdown Community School, Warminster, Wiltshire
• A* Grades (5) in: Mathematics, Double Science, French, Geography
• A Grades (3) in: Music, Design and Realisation, R.E.
• B Grades (2) in: English Literature, English Language
 

Work Experience
Maths Tutor March 2009 - present
I provide private maths lessons to students preparing for High School exams.

Retail Team Member Feb 2007 - Sep 2009
Aquatique, Center Parcs, Longleat, Wiltshire
Duties included customer assistance and advice, stock control, answering telephone enquiries, stock taking, opening and closing the shop and till operating (handling cash and till floats, banking at the end of each day).  Regularly achieved bonuses for high sales.

University Teaching Assistant Oct 2003 - May 2006
University of Bristol
Supervised a summer placement student in the Bristol Astrophysics group, provided extra tuition in maths and physics for non-physicists and supervised $sim$100 undergraduate students in astronomy problems classes.  Also marked weekly assignments and tutorial work for astrophysics undergraduates.

Library Assistant Feb 2001 - May 2002
University of Manchester
Solely responsible for running the University Physics Library on a weekly rota.

Other positions include temping work as a customer advisor at the Legal Advice Bureau in Manchester, typist at Trowbridge College, payroll office assistant at West Wiltshire County Council, waitress at Center Parcs Longleat, production line worker at Lyons Seafood and shop assistant at Occasions in Warminster.
 

Interests and Achievements
• On the basis of my application and the results of a series of cognitive tests, I was selected as one of 192 candidates (from ~8500 people who applied) to be interviewed for the position of astronaut with the European Space Agency.
• Member of Mensa and Associate Member of the Institute of Physics.
• Like to challenge myself with outdoor activities.  Am an SSI certified open water scuba diver and regularly rock climb.  Have recently spent several months in New Zealand taking part in activities such as skydiving, adventure caving, white water rafting and mountaineering.
• Enjoy music and theatre as a hobby and for entertainment.  Have taken part in many concerts and amateur productions, both with university and local amateur dramatics societies.  Past achievements include reaching ABRSM Grade 8 Voice, Grade 6 Violin and Grade 5 in Music Theory.
• Awarded Bronze and Silver Duke of Edinburgh Awards.
 

References
Available on request.