Senior Research Associate in Hampshire, Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference. Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south‑east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we are ranked among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate for a 42‑month NERC “Pushing the Frontiers” project investigating the role of hypervelocity impact melting in early crustal evolution. The project connects Earth's best‑preserved impact melt sheets with lunar samples to build a unified Earth–Moon perspective on the earliest crust. The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and alongside the project co‑leads, playing a central role in research on the petrogenesis of impact melts and lunar samples using an integrated sample‑based, theoretical and potentially field‑based approach.

Applicants should have expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis, and one or more of microstructural analysis, isotope geochemistry and/or thermodynamic modelling. The role will be supported by mentoring from the Project Lead and co‑leads at Birkbeck, the Open University and the University of Manchester. The project will make use of leading facilities and capabilities, including electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), femtosecond laser‑ablation ICP‑MS/MS and MC‑ICP‑MS, EPMA, thermodynamic modelling of igneous systems and NanoSIMS. Some travel is required (to collaborators and sample repositories) and there is the option of fieldwork in Sudbury, Ontario and other terrestrial impact structures. The role also involves exploring implications of impact melt sheet evolution for world‑class Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide ore formation in collaboration with Vale Base Metals. A hybrid working arrangement is available.

Interviews are anticipated on 4 August 2026. This appointment is a fixed‑term contract for up to 42 months, ending no later than 30 June 3030.

Benefits include:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32‑35 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family‑friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start‑up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via the Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

Additional benefits available – further information on My Reward and Benefits.

Salary Information: New appointments will be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, progressing through the pay range to the maximum within a reasonable timeframe. Higher starting salary or market supplement may be available under exceptional circumstances.

UKVI Statement: Applicants must hold or be able to acquire the right to work in the UK. If you do not currently possess this right, your offer will be conditional upon obtaining it.

ED&I Statement: We commit to upholding the University’s values of ambition, openness and responsibility in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect. This vacancy may close earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.