Research and Innovation Associate - Planet Mercury - Origins, Evolution and Interactions

About the Role

This STFC-funded Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position for a post-doctoral researcher represents an exciting four year opportunity to join a three-University project at the core of the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) team for ESA’s BepiColombo Mercury Planetary Orbiter, whose 1-2 years orbital science mission at Mercury begins in March 2027. We anticipate a starting date between 1 June and 1 October 2026 (by mutual agreement) for this role.

This post is one of four positions available through STFC Large Grant funding to the “Planet Mercury: Origins, Evolution, and Interactions” consortium involving the University of Leicester, Open University and Imperial College.

MIXS will map and measure ratios and abundances of more than a dozen elements across Mercury’s surface, and in conjunction with other surface-looking instruments is expected to deliver a step-change in our understanding of Mercury’s geological history.

The successful candidate will be based at [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] to work with David Rothery and Mahesh Anand, but will do so in close collaboration with colleagues at Space Park Leicester, particularly Emma Bunce (MIXS Principal Investigator), Adrian Martindale (MIXS Instrument Scientist), John Bridges, and two recently-recruited RIAs. There will be opportunities to become involved in laboratory experiments to help to understand the remotely-sensed (principally XRF) properties of Mercury’s surface.

This is an excellent opportunity to be embedded in an instrument science team during the live operational science phase of a mission, and to participate in meetings of the overall mission science team.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify key geological processes associated with various geochemical terranes on Mercury (including their relative ages, mutual relationships and modes of emplacement) taking context initially from MESSENGER data and incorporating BepiColombo (MIXS, MERTIS, Simbio-sys) data as they become available.
• Lead or collaborate in investigations into Mercury’s volcanic history.
• Lead or collaborate in studies into how volatiles behave in Mercury’s crust.
• Lead or collaborate in studies into the ways in which impact craters can be used to probe Mercury’s interior.
• Collaborate in studies of the implication of Mercury’s surface composition for its interior composition, formation and geological history.
• Collaborate in elemental and mineralogical experiments on Mercury analogue materials.

The successful applicant will be expected to lead or contribute to one or more high-profile research papers for each of the above.

About You

You will hold a PhD in planetary science or a closely related field, with particular expertise in spacecraft data analysis, geochemistry, 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 ArcPro, Python and a solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury, will be key to your success in this role.

Essential:

• PhD in planetary science or a closely related field.
• Solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury.
• The ability to present your research effectively both orally and in scientific writing.
• The ability to work both independently and as part of a diverse team, and to foster links with other teams.
• A developing track record of peer-reviewed publications in international journals.
• Time management and project planning skills.
• Ability and willingness to travel to partners’ locations.

Desirable:

• Expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, and/or X-ray fluorescence techniques.
• Experience of Mercury research.
• Proficiency in the use of GIS, preferably ArcPRO.
• Experience of interdisciplinary working in a collaborative research environment.