At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse magnetic field data from Ganymede and contribute to the ESA JUICE mission.
- Company: Join Imperial College London, a top global university driving scientific innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 41 days of annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusivity and professional development.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking discoveries in space physics and collaborate with leading scientists.
- Qualifications: PhD in Space/Planetary Physics or related field; experience in spacecraft data analysis.
The predicted salary is between 37125 - 45375 £ per year.
We are seeking a Research Associate in space & planetary physics to make important contributions to our understanding of the largest moon of Jupiter: Ganymede. You will work both independently and as part of UK and international teams tied to the ESA JUICE mission which is expected to arrive at the Jupiter system in July 2031. You will analyse existing magnetic field and plasma measurements at Ganymede, revealing the electromagnetic and plasma environment around the moon and constraining the electrical conductivity of the subsurface ocean.
What you would be doing
- You will synthesize existing in-situ magnetic field and plasma measurements around Ganymede, augmented by theory and well-established modelling techniques, to characterize the time-varying magnetic field and plasma environment of Ganymede, which is essential for high-precision electromagnetic sounding of Ganymede’s subsurface ocean.
- You will regularly interact with other space and planetary scientists at Imperial College London, other members of the JUICE J-MAG team, and the wider ESA JUICE team.
- You will present your results at conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.
What we are looking for
- A PhD in Space/Planetary Physics or a closely related discipline.
- Experience in the analysis of spacecraft data, theory, or numerical modelling.
- A track record of original research that includes peer-reviewed publications.
What we can offer you
- Membership of the JUICE J-MAG science team as the mission enters its exciting science phase.
- The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.
- Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days' annual leave and generous pension schemes).
- Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
- Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
- Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing.
Further information: Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant. Where Imperial or funder conditions necessitate, you will be required to complete timesheets for your work on projects in a timely manner. This is a full-time position with an anticipated start date between January 2027 and September 2027. The earliest possible start date is 1st January 2027 while the latest possible start date is 30th September 2027. You will join a research group that has extensive science heritage through major involvement in the past Cassini-Huygens mission and the ongoing JUICE mission. We play an active role in the definition of future missions spanning space and planetary physics.
Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above. The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds, and particularly those underrepresented in physics, to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.
About Imperial
Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact. Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact. As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network. This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.
Our Culture
We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages. Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community. Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.
Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics employer: SONICOM
At SONICOM, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment that encourages collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our sector-leading salary and opportunities for professional development, making this an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive in the field of mitochondrial medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at SONICOM, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at SONICOM. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at SONICOM. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at SONICOM
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at SONICOM. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at SONICOM to drive research projects forward.
