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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 42-month 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 Earth's best-preserved impact melt sheets with lunar samples to build a unified Earth–Moon perspective on the earliest crust.
Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and alongside the project Co‑Leads, 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 Co‑Leads: 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 laser‑ablation ICP‑MS/MS and MC‑ICP‑MS 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 structures. In collaboration with project partner Vale Base Metals, the project will also explore implications of impact melt sheet evolution for world-class Ni–Cu–PGE 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 04 August 2026. This appointment is a fixed-term contract for up to 42 months, which must end no later than 30 June 3030.
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:
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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 our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
- The perks don’t 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 University’s 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.
