Research and Innovation Associate - Planet Mercury - Origins, Evolution and Interactions

TL;DR

Research and Innovation Associate (Planet Mercury): Analyzing MIXS X-ray data from BepiColombo mission to map elemental abundances and geological processes on Mercury's surface with an accent on volcanic history, volatile behavior, and impact crater studies. Focus on integrating MESSENGER and BepiColombo datasets, conducting laboratory experiments on analogues, and publishing high-profile research papers.

Milton Keynes, Remote/Hybrid with expectation to work on campus up to 4 days per week

£38,784 to £46,049

Company

UK’s largest university and world leader in flexible part-time education with research excellence in planetary science.

What you will do

• Identify key geological processes in geochemical terranes using MESSENGER and BepiColombo (MIXS, MERTIS, Simbio-sys) data.
• Lead or collaborate on investigations into Mercury’s volcanic history, volatile behavior in crust, and impact craters probing interior.
• Study implications of surface composition for Mercury’s interior, formation, and geological history.
• Conduct elemental and mineralogical experiments on Mercury analogue materials.
• Lead or contribute to high-profile research papers on these topics.
• Collaborate with teams at Open University, University of Leicester, and Imperial College.

Requirements

• PhD in planetary science or closely related field
• Solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially relevant to Mercury
• Ability to present research effectively orally and in writing
• Ability to work independently and in diverse teams, fostering links
• Developing track record of peer-reviewed publications
• Time management, project planning skills
• Ability and willingness to travel to partners’ locations

Nice to have

• Expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, X-ray fluorescence techniques
• Experience of Mercury research
• Proficiency in GIS, preferably ArcPro
• Experience of interdisciplinary collaborative research

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working discussions including job share, part-time, compressed hours
• Range of benefits for work-life balance
• Opportunities in strong planetary science group with mission involvement

Hiring process

• Submit CV and Supporting Statement (max 1000 words) addressing criteria
• Interviews via MS Teams around 12-13 May if shortlisted