Senior Research Associate

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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 proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people innovation and achievement.

The Role:
Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to join a NERC Pushing the Frontiers project investigating the role of hypervelocity impact melting in early crustal evolution. The project connects Earths best-preserved impact melt sheets with lunar samples to build a unified EarthMoon perspective on the earliest crust.

Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and alongside the project CoLeads you will play 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 will bring expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis as well as one or more of microstructural analysis isotope geochemistry and/or thermodynamic modelling. The successful candidate will be supported to develop complementary skills through mentoring by the Project Lead James Darling and CoLeads: Eleanor Jennings (Birkbeck University of London) Mahesh Anand (The Open University) and Katherine Joy (The University of Manchester).

The project will make strong use of leading facilities and capabilities including electron microscopy electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and femtosecond laserablation ICPMS/MS and MCICPMS at Portsmouth EPMA and thermodynamic modelling of igneous systems at Birkbeck and NanoSIMS at the Open University. Some travel is required (e.g. to collaborators and/or sample repositories) and there is the option of fieldwork in Sudbury Ontario and other terrestrial impact collaboration with project partner Vale Base Metals the project will also explore implications of impact melt sheet evolution for world-class NiCuPGE sulfide ore formation.

We welcome applications from researchers who enjoy detailed analytical work careful interpretation and collaborative science.

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week hybrid working is available for this role.

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 30 November 2026.

This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 30 June 3030.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact James Darling at with questions and to discuss the position.

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 3235 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 ourEntrepreneurs in Residenceprogramme.
• The perks dont stop there - click apply for further information on My Reward and Benefits

Salary Information:
New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost-of-living-related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement
Prior to submitting your application kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:
We are committed to upholding the Universitys values of being ambitious open and responsible in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised so early applications are advised.

Required Experience:

Senior IC