Research and Innovation Associate (Planetary Science)

TL;DR

Research and Innovation Associate (Planetary Science): Leading laboratory-based research on the ICARUS project to investigate asteroid regolith and solar-driven volatile release with an accent on experimental petrology and high-resolution geochemical analysis. Focus on designing cyclic heating experiments, performing advanced analytical techniques, and generating ground-truth datasets for the DESTINY+ mission.

Location: Must be based in or able to commute to Milton Keynes, UK (Hybrid: In-office Tuesday–Thursday).

Salary: £38,784 – £46,049 per annum.

Company

hirify.global is the UK’s largest university and a world leader in flexible education and research excellence.

What you will do

• Design and conduct high-temperature cyclic heating experiments on meteorites using TGA-MS.
• Perform quantitative geochemical and mineralogical analysis using SEM-EDS, EMPA, Raman, and near-IR spectroscopy.
• Analyze experimental data to quantify volatile release mechanisms and mineralogical changes.
• Prepare samples for hypervelocity impact ionisation mass spectrometry to support DESTINY+ mission data.
• Collaborate with international partners in Germany and Japan.
• Contribute to high-impact publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities.

Requirements

• PhD (or submitted thesis) in planetary science, geochemistry, meteoritics, experimental petrology, physics, or a closely related field.
• Strong laboratory-based analytical skills in mass spectrometry.
• Proficiency in at least three techniques: SEM, EMPA, Raman, near-IR, TGA, XRD, or TEM.
• Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments independently.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a track record of lead-author publications.
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally for collaborative work and conferences.

Nice to have

• Experience in experimental petrology, specifically high-temperature or cyclic heating studies.
• Familiarity with hypervelocity dust impact experiments or metallized particle coating.
• Experience with numerical modelling and scientific programming (Python).
• Interest in contributing to undergraduate teaching or student supervision.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements including home-based days on Mondays and Fridays.
• Support for work-life balance through flexible policies.
• Opportunities for international collaboration and networking.
• Access to institutional research facilities and professional development.