Research Associate

About the role

The University of Leicester is seeking a Research Associate to join the School of Physics and Astronomy on a full-time, fixed-term contract funded until 30 September 2029. This exciting opportunity forms part of the research programme “The Closed Magnetosphere”, which investigates the structure and dynamics of the magnetospheres of Earth and Mercury during strongly northward interplanetary magnetic field conditions. The successful candidate will undertake high-quality, internationally recognised research using observations from a range of ground- and space-based missions and facilities, including SMILE, MMS, THEMIS, Cluster, SuperDARN, MESSENGER and BepiColombo.

Working both independently and collaboratively, you will lead the analysis, visualisation and interpretation of complex magnetospheric and ionospheric datasets, contribute to peer-reviewed publications, present research findings at national and international conferences, and support the wider development of the research programme. You will also contribute to the supervision and mentoring of students and early career researchers while helping to foster collaborations across the planetary science community. As part of a leading research-intensive university, you will join an environment recognised for world-class research and research-inspired learning.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completing, a PhD in a discipline relevant to solar-planetary science, together with a strong academic background and research experience in the analysis of magnetospheric and ionospheric observations. You will have demonstrated the ability to publish high-quality research in peer-reviewed journals and communicate scientific results effectively to a range of audiences, including presentations at national and international meetings. Experience of scientific programming, particularly using languages such as Python or IDL, will be highly advantageous.

You will be an organised and motivated researcher with excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively both independently and within a multidisciplinary team. We are looking for someone who is eager to contribute to a collaborative research environment, build new scientific partnerships, and support the development of students and colleagues. In return, you will have the opportunity to develop your research profile within a thriving academic community committed to advancing knowledge and supporting professional growth.

Additional information

For informal enquiries, please contact Prof Steve Milan at steve.milan@le.ac.uk.

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.

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