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About the Role
This STFC-funded Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position for a post-doctoral researcher represents an exciting four year opportunity to join a three-University project at the core of the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) team for ESA’s BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter, whose 1-2 years orbital science mission at Mercury begins in March 2027. We anticipate a starting date between 1 June and 1 October 2026 (by mutual agreement) for this role.
This post is one of four positions available through STFC Large Grant funding to the “Planet Mercury: Origins, Evolution, and Interactions” consortium involving the University of Leicester, Open University and Imperial College.
MIXS will map and measure ratios and abundances of more than a dozen elements across Mercury’s surface, and in conjunction with other surface-looking instruments is expected to deliver a step-change in our understanding of Mercury’s geological history.
The successful candidate will be based at the Open University to work with David Rothery and Mahesh Anand, but will do so in close collaboration with colleagues at Space Park Leicester, particularly Emma Bunce (MIXS Principal Investigator), Adrian Martindale (MIXS Instrument Scientist), John Bridges, and two recently-recruited RIAs. There will be opportunities to become involved in laboratory experiments to help to understand the remotely-sensed (principally XRF) properties of Mercury’s surface.
This is an excellent opportunity to be embedded in an instrument science team during the live operational science phase of a mission, and to participate in meetings of the overall mission science team.
About the group you would join
You would be based in the Open University’s School of Physical Sciences, whose planetary scientists have a strong record of using MESSENGER images for investigating geological processes on Mercury, have been instrumental in making new geological maps of Mercury in preparation for BepiColombo, and have provided decadal leadership for ESA’s Mercury Surface & Composition Working Group. There is a strong record of spacecraft instrument design, cosmochemistry and planetary science within the School of Physical Sciences, which is the base for PIs and CoIs on multiple current and future space missions.
Key Responsibilities
The person appointed to the post will undertake duties to include:
- Identify key geological processes associated with various geochemical terranes on Mercury (including their relative ages, mutual relationships and modes of emplacement) taking context initially from MESSENGER data and incorporating BepiColombo (MIXS, MERTIS, Simbio-sys) data as they become available.
- Lead or collaborate in investigations into Mercury’s volcanic history.
- Lead or collaborate in studies into how volatiles behave in Mercury’s crust.
- Lead or collaborate in studies into the ways in which impact craters can be used to probe Mercury’s interior.
- Collaborate in studies of the implication of Mercury’s surface composition for its interior composition, formation and geological history.
- Collaborate in elemental and mineralogical experiments on Mercury analogue materials.
The successful applicant will be expected to lead or contribute to one or more high-profile research papers for each of the above.
About You
You will hold a PhD in planetary science or a closely related field, with particular expertise in spacecraft data analysis, geochemistry, and/or X-ray fluorescence techniques. A strong publication record, evidence of independent research capability, and experience working within collaborative research environments are essential. Proficiency in ArcPro, Python and a solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury, will be key to your success in this role.
Essential:
- PhD in planetary science or a closely related field.
- Solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury.
- The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
- The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team, and to foster links with other teams.
- A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
- Time management and project planning skills.
- Ability and willingness to travel to partners’ locations.
Desirable:
- Expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, and/or X-ray fluorescence techniques.
- Experience of Mercury research.
- Proficiency in the use of GIS, preferably ArcPRO.
- Experience of interdisciplinary working in a collaborative research environment.
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
The role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office and there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus up to 4 days per week.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews taking place between 12th or 13th May via MS Teams.
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 how your 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.
