Research Associate (Mars)

Vacancy terms:

Full-time, fixed term contract to 30 June 2028

Hours per week:

37.5

About the role

The University of Leicester is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to join the School of Physics and Astronomy. This exciting opportunity is funded through an STFC Small Grant and centres on investigating how Mars’ induced magnetotail connects with its nightside ionosphere and auroral activity, as well as understanding ionospheric outflow into space. Using a rich variety of spacecraft data—including from MAVEN, Mars Express, Tianwen-1, and the upcoming EscaPADE mission—you will contribute significantly to a globally collaborative programme within the Planetary Science Group and Space Park Leicester.

You will work both independently and collaboratively within a team at the forefront of planetary plasma research, with a strong emphasis on international engagement and scientific leadership. Your research will advance the understanding of solar wind interactions with unmagnetised planetary bodies and contribute to peer-reviewed publications, conference dissemination, and the broader knowledge exchange strategy of the University. 

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant area of planetary plasma physics, particularly in the context of unmagnetised bodies such as Mars. You should bring a strong track record of research in the field, including experience in handling and interpreting multi-source spacecraft data, and be proficient in scientific programming languages such as Python, IDL, FORTRAN or Matlab. A deep understanding of space weather processes and their effects on planetary ionospheres is essential, along with evidence of publishing in peer-reviewed journals.

We are looking for a researcher who demonstrates scientific curiosity, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capability to lead in both academic output and collaborative environments. You should be able to manage complex datasets, adapt to evolving research priorities, and contribute constructively to team discussions.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Beatriz Sanchez-Cano on b.sanchezcano@leicester.ac.uk

We anticipate that interviews will take place around last week of August 2025.

As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.

As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.

We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.