Research Associate in Planetary Science

hackajob is collaborating with The University of Manchester to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role.

A 36 month Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position is available for a planetary scientist to undertake research into lunar samples. The position is in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, under the direction of Dr. Romain Tartese. You will join a leading research group of planetary scientists and isotope geochemists with expertise in the analysis and interpretation of terrestrial and extra terrestrial materials. The post is funded by an STFC Small Award awarded to The University of Manchester.

You can find out more about the research group at

Responsibilities

You will use a range of laboratory approaches, including electron beam techniques, ICP MS, SIMS, TIMS, and noble gas mass spectrometry to decipher the formation age of rocks from the primordial lunar crust (anorthosites) and the halogen inventory of basalts derived from the lunar interior. Integrating these two complementary datasets will be crucial to better constrain when the Moon formed.

Qualifications

We seek candidates with expertise in using state of the art petro geochemistry labs for investigating the petrological, geochemical, and geochronological evolution of rocks from the Moon and/or other planetary bodies. You should have (or will soon obtain) a PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences, Planetary Science or a related discipline and a publication track record commensurate with your academic experience. You will have extensive experience of working in a research laboratory and of undertaking quantitative analyses of terrestrial and/or extra terrestrial samples. The position will start in October 2026 - please indicate in your application if you meet this condition, or the earliest you could start if you cannot meet the October 2026 start.

Benefits

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

Flexible Working

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered. The university supports flexible working.

Equal Opportunity

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Contact

For enquiries regarding the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews, please contact Romain Tartese at . For general enquiries, contact .