Senior Research Fellow - PanCam Enfys Operations and Science (Planetary Science)

TL;DR

Senior Research Fellow (Planetary Science): Performing science and operations preparatory work for PanCam and Enfys instruments on the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin Rover mission with an accent on rover simulation, field trials, and geological feature interpretation. Focus on designing training materials, defining activity plans for ESA strategic tools, and publishing research on rover field trials.

Location: Hybrid; must be based in Milton Keynes, UK, with an expectation to work from the office at least 3 days per week

Salary: £59,966

Company

hirify.global is the UK’s largest university and a world leader in flexible part-time education combined with research excellence.

What you will do

• Support RFM Rover Simulation and Field Trial preparation, playing a leading operations role in these activities.
• Produce instructional documents covering the description and interpretation of landscape and outcrop-level geological features.
• Prepare scientific and logistical planning to support future PanCam/Enfys field training.
• Help define "typical sol" activity plans for ESA's strategic planning tool development.
• Lead or co-lead the organization of PanCam/Enfys online seminars.
• Lead the publication of research papers focusing on RFM field trial activities.

Requirements

• Track record of independent research in Mars Rover science, including serving as PI for relevant grants or fellowships.
• Multi-year track record of active participation in Mars Rover missions (e.g., Curiosity, Perseverance, MER, or Zhurong).
• Strong record of research publications in Mars Rover Science (1st author publications within the last 2 years).
• Deep knowledge and experience of operations and surface geology science exploitation from Mars Rover missions.
• High-level expertise in terrestrial field geology and experience delivering relevant geological field instruction.
• Experience participating in Rover field trials and simulations.

Nice to have

• Experience as a surface properties scientist on a Mars Rover mission or equivalent crossover experience.
• Prior experience working with the UK PanCam and Enfys teams.
• Full driving licence and off-road driving experience.

Culture & Benefits

• Flexible working options, including job share, part-time, or compressed hours.
• Comprehensive staff benefits package to reward great work.
• Collaborative research environment within the Planetary Environments Group.
• Opportunity to work with international stakeholders including the European Space Agency (ESA).

Hiring process

• Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place on July 15th and/or 16th via MS Teams.