Post Doctoral Research Associate - Primitive Asteroids

The Open University – School of Physical Sciences

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: up to 15 months from start date

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video.

About the Role

Applications are invited for an STFC-funded PDRA position in the School of Physical Sciences at The Open University. Our research covers a wide range of Solar System science and exploration. We investigate the origin and evolution of the Solar System, through the physical, geological, chemical and biological processes that drive it. We use laboratory and space mission experiments, remote observation, environmental simulation and modelling to investigate the surfaces and atmospheres of the terrestrial planets, the Moon, asteroids, comets and extra-terrestrial materials.

The post-holder will be expected to work independently but will be part of an active Cosmochemistry Research Group (CRG). The project aims to quantitatively assess how important Ryugu and Bennu-type material is in the Near-Earth environment and to understand why it appears to be significantly underrepresented in present-day meteorite flux. To be effective in this role, the successful candidate will have a demonstrable prior research experience in reflectance spectroscopy (e.g., UV-ViS) of planetary bodies and/or working with geological/extra-terrestrial samples using standard petrological tools, such as SEM/EPMA, and a proven track-record of handling large and complex datasets (e.g. geochemical, spectroscopic) for understanding processes involved in the origin and evolution of the Solar System, as evidenced by relevant published work.

A successful outcome from this work will be a better understanding of whether primitive (e.g., CI-type) asteroidal material might be a much more important component in the near-Earth environment than has so far been considered. The extreme paucity of this material in the meteorite record may be a reflection of its intrinsic high porosity and resulting low strength, consistent with observations by Hayabusa2 and OSIRIS-REx missions. This work is analytically challenging, requiring significant skills and patience in manipulating rare and small samples, developing new reference materials and protocols as required and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team in a modern laboratory environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare samples for the spectroscopic and geochemical measurements
• Perform UV-ViS measurements of asteroidal materials akin to CI-type (micro)meteorites
• Undertake melting experiments on CI-type materials to reproduce the effects of atmospheric entry heating
• Measure the oxygen isotope composition of natural and experimental samples
• Process data and synthesise results, combining geochemical and spectroscopic data
• Publish papers in a timely manner and present findings at international conferences and workshops.
• To undertake any other duties, where required, as directed by the PI on the project.

While experience in the above areas is welcome, opportunities will be provided to the successful applicant to further develop their skills through formal and informal training.

About You

Essential:

• PhD (already awarded or submitted by the start date, if successful) in analytical planetary science or in a closely related field
• Demonstrable expertise in spectroscopy and/or geochemistry
• Ability to carry out micron-to-sub-micron scale sample analyses and standard preparation
• Experience in using Mass Spectrometry methods to acquire isotopic and/or elemental compositions in geological materials
• Demonstrated ability to work both as part of a team and on own initiative
• Ability to plan own work, prioritise workload and deliver results on schedule
• Strong verbal and written communication and presentation skills

Desirable:

• A record of publishing in scientific journals
• Research experience relevant to the proposed research (e.g., spectroscopic studies of primitive asteroids or geochemical measurements of primitive asteroidal samples)
• Experience in developing new analytical protocols and/or sample preparation methodologies
• Experience in decision-making, problem-solving, planning and organising
• The ability to be proactive and self-motivated, and to work successfully without supervision
• Embracing change: The ability to work adaptively and responsively as the research develops

Support with your application: If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you? At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page.

Flexible working: We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Next steps in the Recruitment process: We anticipate interviews taking place W/C 27th October.

How to apply: To apply for this role please submit the following document(s): CV, Supporting statement (This should be no more than 1000 words, outlining why you're interested in this role and provide examples of where your skills and experience meet the essential and desirable criteria for this role as detailed in the above Job Description)