At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead groundbreaking research on asteroids and their evolution through innovative experiments.
- Company: The Open University, a leader in flexible education and research excellence.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and a supportive work-life balance.
- Other info: Collaborate internationally and enjoy opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a pioneering project and contribute to exciting discoveries in planetary science.
- Qualifications: PhD in a relevant field and strong analytical lab skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part‑time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.
About the Role
We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the ICARUS project: Investigating Changes in Asteroid Regolith and Understanding Solar‑driven Volatile Release in Near‑Sun Asteroids. This role focuses on experimental petrology and high‑resolution geochemical analysis to investigate how intense solar heating drives gas release and surface evolution in active near‑Sun asteroids, with particular emphasis on asteroid 3200 Phaethon. The successful candidate will lead laboratory‑based research, contributing to experimental design, data acquisition, quantitative analysis, and interpretation, collaborating with international partners in Germany and Japan.
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct high‑temperature cyclic heating experiments on meteorites to replicate the thermal evolution of near‑Sun asteroids (using TGA‑MS).
- Perform quantitative, high‑resolution geochemical and mineralogical analysis using SEM‑EDS, EMPA, Raman spectroscopy and near‑IR spectroscopy.
- Analyse experimental data to quantify volatile release mechanisms and mineralogical changes, drawing conclusions relevant to the evolution of near‑Sun asteroids.
- Prepare and analyse samples for hypervelocity impact ionisation mass spectrometry, generating ground‑truth data for direct comparison with DESTINY+ DDA instrument measurements.
- Contribute to high‑impact publications, conference presentations, and outreach activities communicating key findings.
- Maintain expertise in planetary science, meteoritics, experimental petrology, and analytical methods to inform ongoing research.
Teaching and Learning Support (optional)
- Provide limited support for OU undergraduate teaching in Physical Sciences (remote/online), if requested, for up to 6.25 hours per week.
- Participate in mentoring and training of postgraduate students in laboratory techniques and data analysis.
Communication and Networking
- Communicate complex scientific concepts to colleagues, collaborators, and public audiences, including potentially in school‑age outreach events.
- Liaise with international project partners, including remote meetings with collaborators in Japan and Germany, occasionally outside standard office hours (approx. once every two months).
- Build and maintain internal and external networks to support collaboration, knowledge exchange, and funding opportunities.
Project and Resource Management
- Plan and manage laboratory workflows, experimental schedules, and use of analytical facilities in collaboration with technical staff and the Project Lead.
- Ensure safe use of laboratories and analytical instruments in accordance with institutional health and safety standards.
- Maintain rigorous records of experimental procedures, datasets, and results to ensure reproducibility and compliance with project requirements.
About You
Essential:
- PhD (or submitted PhD thesis) in planetary science, geochemistry, meteoritics, experimental petrology, physics or a closely related field.
- Strong laboratory‑based analytical skills in mass spectrometry complemented by proficiency in at least three of the following techniques: SEM, EMPA, Raman spectroscopy, near‑IR spectroscopy, TGA, XRD, and/or TEM, ideally applied to the study of meteorite or planetary analogue materials.
- Proven ability to design, execute, and interpret complex laboratory experiments independently.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, including a track record of publishing research in high‑impact journals as lead author.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for collaborative work and conferences.
Desirable:
- Experience in experimental petrology, including high‑temperature or cyclic heating studies of meteorites or terrestrial analogue materials.
- Familiarity with hypervelocity dust impact experiments or metallised particle coating techniques.
- Experience with numerical modelling and scientific programming (preferably in Python).
- Willingness to contribute to limited teaching, supervision, or outreach activities.
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.
Flexible working
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement.
Working Arrangements
Predominantly office and laboratory‑based, at The Open University, Milton Keynes. As such the candidate is expected to be in‑office (Tuesday–Thursday, 09:00‑16:00) at Milton Keynes. Flexible working from home permitted on Mondays and Fridays outside of essential lab‑based work and work trips. Occasional participation in remote meetings at unconventional hours (e.g., 01:00‑08:00), linked to international space mission collaborations, expected not more than once every two months.
Research and Innovation Associate – ICARUS (Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MK7 6AA) employer: Recruit4Mum
The Open University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of planetary science. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on employee development, staff can enjoy a healthy work-life balance while contributing to groundbreaking research projects alongside international partners. The supportive culture encourages professional growth and provides opportunities for meaningful engagement in teaching and outreach activities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research and Innovation Associate – ICARUS (Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MK7 6AA)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the field of planetary science and experimental petrology. Attend conferences, webinars, or even local meetups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your research projects, publications, and any relevant lab work. This will help you stand out during interviews and give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your communication skills. Be ready to explain complex scientific concepts clearly and confidently, as this is key for roles like the Research and Innovation Associate.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly on our platform. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves and shows your enthusiasm for joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Research and Innovation Associate – ICARUS (Milton Keynes, ENG, GB, MK7 6AA)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research and Innovation Associate role. Highlight your relevant experience in planetary science and any specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like SEM or Raman spectroscopy. We want to see how you fit into our mission!
Show Off Your Communication Skills:Since you'll be communicating complex scientific concepts, it's crucial to demonstrate your written communication skills. Use clear and concise language in your application, and if you've published research before, mention it! This will show us you're capable of contributing to high-impact publications.
Highlight Collaborative Experience:Collaboration is key in this role, especially with international partners. Share examples of past projects where you've worked with others, particularly in a lab setting. This will help us see how well you can liaise with colleagues and contribute to team efforts.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our benefits there, making it easier for you to understand what we offer!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit4Mum
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of planetary science and the specific techniques mentioned in the job description, like SEM and Raman spectroscopy. Be ready to discuss your previous research and how it relates to the ICARUS project.
✨Show Your Experimental Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience with laboratory experiments, especially any high-temperature or cyclic heating studies you've conducted. Highlight your ability to design and interpret complex experiments, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since you'll need to explain complex scientific concepts to various audiences, practice articulating your research in simple terms. Think about how you would explain your findings to someone without a scientific background, as this will be key during the interview.
✨Be Ready for Collaboration
The role involves liaising with international partners, so be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams and how you handle remote collaborations. Mention any past experiences that demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively across cultures and time zones.
