Senior Research Associate

Lancaster University is pleased to offer an opportunity to work on a NERC-funded project investigating the Drivers and Impacts of Ionospheric Variability (DRIIVE). In this role you will be based in the Space and Planetary Physics group within the Physics Department at Lancaster University and will join a large consortium of scientists spread across 10 UK institutes working to understand multiscale variability in the high latitude ionosphere. You will work with data from the Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) and European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars to investigate the properties of medium scale travelling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs) and their possible geomagnetic and solar wind drivers. Individuals with skills in data analysis and exploitation and a background in space physics, including ionospheric physics, are encouraged to apply.

You will be expected to disseminate results through peer reviewed publications in high-impact journals, and to engage with collaborators and with the national and international research community through attendance at conferences and workshops. The post offers further opportunities to participate, engage, and benefit from training, professional development and knowledge exchange activities.

You must have earned (or shortly expect to earn) a PhD in space physics, atmospheric physics, or a related field by the start date of the post. Further criteria are given in the attached job description and person specification. To apply, you should submit (1) a curriculum vitae with publications list; (2) a research statement describing your suitability for the position as well as your current and future research interests, not to exceed 2 pages; and (3) a list containing contact information for 3 reference letter writers.

Lancaster University Physics is strongly committed to an inclusive work environment, which includes fostering diversity within its community as a source of excellence, cultural enrichment, and social strength. We welcome those who would contribute to the further diversification of our department.

The post is currently funded until the end of March 2026, with the possibility of an extension. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact Prof Adrian Grocott (a.grocott@lancaster.ac.uk) for further information about the position.

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Further details:

• Person Specification
• Job Description

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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