Ref Number
B04-07484
Professional Expertise
Academic
Department
UCL BEAMS (B04)
Location
Dorking
Working Pattern
Full time
Salary
£54,931-£64,644
Contract Type
Permanent
Working Type
Hybrid
Available for Secondment
No
Closing Date
14-Sept-2026
The Department is primarily located on its own Mullard Space Science Laboratory (MSSL) campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills, surrounded by woodland 30 miles south of central London, but also has offices in Taviton Street on the main UCL campus in Bloomsbury. MSSL is the UK's largest university space research group with approximately 90 research active staff and students, which together with engineering and support staff currently result in a total staff of ~150. Space science is a discipline that demands highly innovative technologies and the Department has an international reputation for excellence in this area. UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in developing instruments to make scientific observations in space. Since the Department was established in 1966, it has participated in 74 satellite mission launches with the European Space Agency, NASA (US), Japan, Russia, China and India, and flown 224 rocket experiments. The MSSL Space Plasma Physics Group’s overarching goal is to further our understanding of space plasma physics within the context of environments which are accessible by space missions. We develop and provide instrumentation, exploit the scientific data from those and other ground- and space-based instruments, as well as formulate and test theoretical models. Consequently, we are working to discover more about the space plasma environments within the heliosphere, including those of the planets, moons & comets of our Solar System, as well as the solar wind itself. The group has a direct involvement in both instrumentation and science exploitation of European Space Agency space science missions such as Solar Orbiter, the recently launched SMILE mission and legacy missions including Cluster, Double Star, Cassini and Giotto. The group is similarly involved in the development of the recently selected Plasma Observatory mission (launch ~ 2037), with both instrument and science team roles, along with the NASA HelioSwarm mission (launch ~ 2029) and the ESA Space Safety programme Vigil mission (launch ~ 2031), for which we are providing the Plasma Analyser (PLA) instrument. The Group has a strong record in proposing and developing future mission concepts, and so is also looking ahead to other international mission opportunities, including the ESA L4 mission to Enceladus and the Saturn system, and the planned NASA flagship mission to Uranus.
This post is a permanent Lectureship or Associate Professorship in Space Plasma Physics at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in the Department of Space and Climate Physics. https://www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical-physical-sciences/mssl The successful applicant will be expected to pursue a vigorous, internationally-competitive, original research programme, strongly aligned with the group’s research strategy. They will actively pursue opportunities to lead future space missions and/or space instrument roles at the frontiers of Space Plasma Physics, and aligned with the Group’s strategic science interests. Contributions to departmental teaching and administrative activities are also part of the role. Full job descriptions for both the Grade 8 Lecturer and the Grade 9 Associate Professor are attached to this advert.
Successful candidates will have a PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant field and undertake world-leading research in Space Plasma Physics in terms of originality, significance and rigour. It is essential that you have the ability to supervise academic work by PhD and MSc students and the ability to pursue a successful research or technology development programme, demonstrating independent ideas and a commitment to science and engineering principles. You will have a strong track record of research achievement appropriate to your career stage, including the publication of high-quality research outputs and effective engagement with the wider scientific community through presentations, collaborations and knowledge exchange activities. You will be able to contribute to and enhance the Department's internationally recognised research activities and support its involvement in major space science missions, instrumentation programmes and related research initiatives. You will demonstrate a commitment to excellence in teaching and student support, with the ability to contribute effectively to undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, supervise research projects, and foster an inclusive and supportive learning environment. Excellent communication, interpersonal and collaborative skills are essential, together with a commitment to contributing positively to the wider life of the Department and UCL. For appointment at Associate Professor level, candidates will be expected to demonstrate an established international reputation in their field, evidence of research leadership, success in securing competitive external research funding, and a proven ability to develop and mentor researchers and students.
The salary for Grade 8 and 9 appointments (Lecturer and Associate Professor) can be found in the job description, located at the bottom of this page. As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents we also offer some great benefits some of which are below: 41 Days holiday (including 27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days) Eligibility to join the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan On-site swimming pool (not heated) Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service Discounted medical insurance Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women. Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality. We are in the process of applying for an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
