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- Tasks: Join the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo team to analyse data from Mercury's unique imaging instrument.
- Company: Be part of the University of Leicester, a leader in innovation and research for over 100 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, excellent pension, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Work on a live space mission and collaborate with top experts in planetary science.
- Qualifications: PhD in planetary science or related field, with skills in data analysis and Python.
- Other info: Informal enquiries welcome; interviews expected in September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Overview
Join to apply for the Research Associate (Planet Mercury) role at University of Leicester School of Business.
About the Role
This STFC-funded Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position represents an exciting opportunity to join the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo instrument team at the University of Leicester. We will soon be receiving the first data back from Mercury via the UK’s only PI instrument: the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) (Emma Bunce PI). This post is the first of four positions available through STFC Large Grant funding to the “Planet Mercury: Origins, Evolution, and Interactions” consortium between the University of Leicester, Open University and Imperial College. Further posts will be advertised in 2026.
The successful candidate will work with Emma Bunce, John Bridges and Adrian Martindale at Space Park Leicester. This represents a fantastic opportunity to develop your career analysing data from a live space mission, working with the research team both within the individual Institutions, the Planet Mercury consortium, and with the wider MIXS team.
Qualifications
- You will hold a PhD in planetary science or a closely related field, with particular expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, 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 Python and a solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury, will be key to your success in this role.
Additional information
- For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Emma Bunce on ejb10@leicester.ac.uk
- We anticipate that interviews will take place in October 2025.
- As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.
Benefits
- We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.
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Research Associate (Planet Mercury) employer: University of Leicester School of Business
Contact Detail:
University of Leicester School of Business Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Planet Mercury)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the BepiColombo mission and its objectives. Understanding the specifics of the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) and how it contributes to the mission will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current and former team members or collaborators involved in the BepiColombo project. This can provide insights into the team dynamics and expectations, as well as potentially giving you a leg up when it comes to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your Python skills, especially in relation to data analysis. Being able to demonstrate your proficiency in Python during discussions or technical assessments can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your previous research experiences, particularly those that relate to planetary science and geochemistry. Highlighting your independent research and collaborative projects will showcase your suitability for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Planet Mercury)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your PhD in planetary science or a related field. Emphasise your expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, and X-ray fluorescence techniques, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the position and the opportunity to work with the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo instrument team. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your independent research and collaborative skills.
Showcase Your Publications: Include a list of your publications relevant to planetary science and data analysis. Highlight any significant contributions to collaborative research projects, as this will strengthen your application.
Demonstrate Technical Proficiency: Clearly outline your proficiency in Python and any other relevant software or tools you have used in your research. Providing examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leicester School of Business
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your PhD research in detail, especially any independent projects you've undertaken. Highlight your publication record and how it relates to planetary science, as this will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to the field.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Make sure to brush up on your Python skills and be ready to discuss how you've used programming in data analysis. If possible, prepare examples of past projects where you applied X-ray fluorescence techniques or other relevant methods.
✨Understand Mercury's Geological Processes
Familiarise yourself with the geological processes specific to Mercury. Being able to discuss these processes intelligently will show your passion for the subject and your readiness to contribute to the team’s goals.
✨Prepare for Collaborative Questions
Since the role involves collaboration with various researchers, think about your experiences in team settings. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully worked with others, resolved conflicts, or contributed to a collaborative research environment.
