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.

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 the Open University 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.

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.

Need more details?
Everything you need to know for you application can be found here.

Application deadline is 11:59pm on Friday 24^th April 2026.

The Research Fellow in Planetary Protection will work in close cooperation with other staff of the Independent Safety Office in the Directorate of Technology, Engineering and Quality at ESTEC in Noordwijk (NL).

This fellowship aims to advance the development of a risk-informed decision culture at ESA and application of probabilistic frameworks in the planetary protection domain. The overall goal is to support ESA planetary protection function on its effort to modernise current approaches with the use of new statistical models to assess biological and chemical contamination risks.

The Research Fellow in Planetary Protection primary role is to develop mathematical frameworks to be used for modelling the probability to 1) transfer harmful contamination to solar system bodies for robotic or crewed missions (or a combination of both); 2) transfer harmful contamination from outer space to Earth.

As an internal researcher, the candidate will perform research activities exploring new ways or expanding the scope of existing studies to promote the use of risk-informed decision frameworks, prediction models, AI applied to planetary protection.

About you
You should have recently completed, or be close to completion of a PhD in a related technical or scientific discipline. Preference  will  be  given  to applications submitted by candidates within  five  years of receiving their PhD. In particular for this position, the following is required:

PhD in data or computer science, machine learning, AI, statistics, mathematics, biophysics, bioinformatics.

Need more details?
Everything you need to know for you application can be found here.

Application deadline is April 3rd 2026 at 23:59 CET.