Category: Tenure track

Planetary Sciences Lectureship at The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK

The Open University is looking to recruit a lecturer in planetary science to work on the production of a new course (Planetary Science), with research opportunities.

As a Lecturer in Planetary Sciences, you will collaborate with colleagues in the production, delivery and assessment of modules within our Natural Sciences and Physics qualifications. You will be involved in the development of new content for the replacement of our Stage 2 distance learning planetary science module, and may also be asked to contribute to other areas of physics, planetary and space science or interdisciplinary science curriculum at various undergraduate or postgraduate levels. 

In addition to contributing to teaching within the School of Physical Sciences, you will be expected to carry out independent research and/or scholarship in an area that aligns with the strategic research priorities of the School of Physical Sciences. 

Remote and flexible working is an option, but you must be able to travel to Milton Keynes whenever required.  As this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office, there is an expectation that the role holder will work on campus up to 3 days per week. 

Skills required:
A PhD in planetary sciences or a closely related discipline.

Experience of teaching in planetary sciences or related areas, and enthusiasm for distance learning by adults and the application of new technologies to teaching and supporting students.

The ability to write clearly and concisely on topics in planetary sciences in an informed and inspiring manner with careful attention to detail, and the ability to prepare assessment material.

A track record in research commensurate with career stage, in an area which complements and enhances existing physical sciences research at the Open University.

An ability to work collaboratively, collegially and adaptively with others in an interdisciplinary context.

Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism.

An ability to plan, organise and complete work to agreed deadlines.

Ability to carry out the role in a way that is consistent with equality legislation and University policies.

Want to apply?
All of the information you need can be found right here.

Application deadline is April 15th 2026.

Webinar on how to apply for US National Science Foundation grants (all career stages)

The Earth Science Women’s Network will be hosting a webinar later this month that might be of interest to you:
a virtual workshop on Monday, January 22nd 2024, at 8:00-9:30 PM CET!

Get your questions answered by US National Science Foundation Program Officers!

How can you craft a strong proposal?
What makes a strong Broader Impact?
How do you find a program that fits your work?
This virtual workshop is open to all and will be particularly helpful to early-career to mid-career participants, especially graduate students, post-docs, researchers, and tenure-track faculty thinking about applying for NSF funding for the first time.

> Click here to register <

If you have any questions about ESWN’s events, you can email them at events[at]eswnonline[dot]org

The Two-Body Problem in USA Academia

Are you considering applying for a faculty position in the USA this year? Facing a two-body problem? Worried if you should include this information in your application package, or during the interview?

The Earth Science Women’s Network will be hosting a webinar on November 7th, 2023, at 2:00 pm Eastern Time (19:00 UTC) to answer all these questions and more. A panel of assistant/associate professors within multiple earth science disciplines will share their experiences and “lessons learned”. This workshop is geared towards graduate students and post-docs considering an academic career in the USA.

The panel includes:

  • Rachel Bernard – Assistant Professor, Department of Geology, Amherst College
  • Alexandria Johnson – Assistant Professor, Department of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences, Purdue University
  • Katherine (Kat) Allen – Associate Professor, School of Earth and Climate Sciences, University of Maine
  • Maria Rugenstein – Assistant Professor, Department of Atmospheric Science, Colorado State University

There will also be an opportunity to network with our speakers after the panel discussion.

> Click here to register <

If you have any questions about ESWN’s events, you can email them at events[at]eswnonline[dot]org

Tenure track position at the Institut Origines in Marseille (France)

This post has now been closed

The Institut Origines in Marseille (France), whose dual goals are to develop intensive and interdisciplinary research and establish a Graduate School that will train the future researchers in the field of Astrobiology, is looking for a young scientist with expertise in at least one of the following fields: experimental astrochemistry, the formation and evolution of planetary systems, including the Solar System.

More specifically, the proposed research will have to be compatible with the research programs conducted at our Institute whose implications and interests are as follows:

  • exploitation of ground-/space- based observations of exoplanets and Solar System bodies (e.g., JWST, ELT, PLATO, ARIEL);
  • exploitation of data acquired by Solar System interplanetary missions (Bepi-Colombo, MMX, JUICE, Europa-Clipper, Comet Interceptor);
  • laboratory characterization of extraterrestrial matter (interplanetary dust particles, meteorites, extraterrestrial samples returns) and/or analogues of extraterrestrial materials (e.g., organics, ices, etc..);
  • development of laboratory experiments related to the exploitation of observational data.

The hired person will have to demonstrate a strong potential to propose new ideas that differ from what already exists at our Institute, as well as an ability to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment.

The open position (tenure track) will become permanent (civil servant position at the Professor level) after 3 to 5 years provided that the hired candidate has managed to conduct a successful research program during this time span.

The teaching activities will be reduced during the first 3 years (64h/year) before getting back to normal (192h/year), allowing the candidate to start his/her research program with more flexibility.

The teaching activity will be both at the Bachelor and Master level. The position comes with guaranteed funding (270 000€), allowing the recruitment of at least one PhD student and one postdoc along with funding to buy equipment and to attend international conferences.

For information contact: iom-direction@osupytheas.fr