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About the Role
Applications are invited for a three-year Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. This postdoctoral role forms a central part of an STFC-funded project that integrates advanced laboratory techniques with JWST observations to investigate the chemical and physical properties of interstellar ices. JWST has revealed unprecedented detail in mid‑infrared ice absorption features, but the major bands – particularly the 3 µm OH‑stretch and 4.27 µm CO₂ stretch – remain challenging to interpret due to intertwined effects of ice composition, thermal evolution, and scattering from grain growth. This project aims to address these challenges by generating the systematic laboratory datasets and optical constants needed to disentangle these influences and support robust interpretation of JWST ice spectra.
The postholder will lead a coordinated programme of experiments across three work packages. Using ultra-high vacuum ice film deposition techniques, they will systematically investigate how ice composition and thermal history shape mid-infrared band profiles, producing a comprehensive spectral library and deriving accurate optical constants. They will also develop and apply a novel acoustic-levitation system to study microscopic ice aggregates, enabling controlled laboratory measurements of scattering effects relevant to grain growth in dense molecular clouds. Across all work packages the postholder will acquire and analyse high‑resolution mid‑infrared spectra and work closely with members of the OU astrochemistry team to incorporate the new laboratory data into the interpretation of (pre-)existing JWST ice observations, as well as to respond to observationally driven laboratory data needs.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute foundational laboratory data that will inform radiative‑transfer models, constrain ice mantle composition and physical properties in star‑forming regions, and shape the interpretation of JWST ice observations. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering high‑impact publications, developing experimental methods, and advancing our understanding of the origins of molecular complexity in space.
About the group you would join
You will be based in the Open University’s School of Physical Sciences and work in an interdisciplinary environment with access to state-of-the-art laboratory equipment and connections to external research facilities. You will work across the Physics and Astronomy Disciplines in a collaborative and supportive environment, benefitting from internationally recognised expertise in molecular physics, astrochemistry and observational astronomy, including researchers who play leading roles in JWST ice consortia.
Key Responsibilities
The person appointed to the post will undertake duties that include:
- Working with, and in support of, the key objectives and deliverables of the research grant that funds this role, to ensure the project is successfully delivered.
- Leading laboratory-based experimental work on interstellar ice analogues, including preparation, characterisation and analysis of samples.
- Developing, refining and optimising experimental apparatus, techniques, and laboratory methods to advance the project’s research objectives.
- Carrying out advanced analysis of laboratory data and contributing to the interpretation of JWST ice observations.
- Preparing and publishing high-quality research outputs in leading international journals.
- Disseminating research findings at group meetings, seminars, and national and international conferences.
All staff are expected to:
- Follow the University’s Research Ethics and Health and Safety policies.
- Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.
- Attend and complete appropriate staff development events and courses.
About You
Essential:
- PhD in Experimental Physics/Physical Chemistry, Laboratory Astrochemistry or a closely related field.
- Experience working with at least two of the following laboratory techniques: ultra-high vacuum, cryogenics, infrared spectroscopy, thin-film deposition, or ice aerosols.
- Demonstrable ability to develop, adapt and improve experimental systems and maintain sustained progress in laboratory work.
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, including experience analysing spectroscopic datasets, undertaking band-profile analysis and deconvolution, and critically scrutinising band assignments and spectral features.
- Experience developing or using data‑analysis tools (in Python or Origin) with the ability to organise, document, and prepare laboratory datasets for wider use, including potential submission to community databases.
- Ability to diagnose and resolve experimental issues effectively and safely, ensuring good laboratory practice at all times.
- Ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team, and to foster links with other groups.
- A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
- Strong time management and project-planning skills.
Desirable:
- Knowledge and understanding in two or more of the following areas:
- Ice chemistry and physics
- Molecular spectroscopy (vibrational, electronic, rotational, solid state)
- Scattering models (Mie, Rayleigh, Continuous Distribution of Ellipsoids)
- Determination of optical constants
- Thin-film laser interference techniques
- Acoustic levitation, aerosol physics, or spectroscopy of solid-state particulate samples (excluding solution-based methods)
- Familiarity with JWST ice data or the interpretation of observational ice spectra.
- Ability to explore and test alternative experimental approaches to achieve the scientific objectives.
- Experience contributing to open source scientific tools or spectral databases.
Support with your application
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What's in it for you?
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
Work location
This role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes offices where we require onsite attendance each week. This is a laboratory‑based research role that requires the postholder to work on site in Milton Keynes each day to carry out experimental duties. Some flexible working arrangements may be possible for non‑laboratory tasks and can be discussed with candidates.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place onsite in Milton Keynes on 17th or 18th June.
Early closing date notification
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
How to apply
To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):
- CV
- Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline why you are interested in the role and how your current skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria listed above).
You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.
