Lecturer in Space and Planetary Science

Contract Type: Fixed-Term - 24 Months

Interview Date: Monday 07 December 2026

On the 1 August 2026, The University of Greenwich and the University of Kent formed a pioneering new multi-university group called London and South- East (LASE) University Group. Should you join us, you will be employed by LASE but will work as part of the University of Kent academic division, contributing to its distinct strengths, community and identity while also being part of a wider group that brings together the scale, resilience and shared ambition of both universities. Through LASE we aim to deliver outstanding education, impactful research, and meaningful regional and global impact.

Do you have the expertise to inspire students and advance research in Space and Planetary Science? If so, this full-time, two-year fixed-term role could be ideal for you.

We’re looking for a Lecturer in Space and Planetary Science to join the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics on a two-year fixed-term, Education and Research contract. You’ll contribute to high-quality, research-led teaching across the School’s undergraduate programmes, while undertaking research that supports the University’s internationally recognised research and innovation portfolio.

Our programmes span Physics, Astronomy and Space Science, combining research-led teaching with substantial practical, laboratory-based learning. We’re particularly interested in candidates with expertise in spacecraft design and operations, space utilisation or space exploration.

As Lecturer in Space and Planetary Science you can expect to be involved in:

• Delivering and developing undergraduate teaching across Physics, Astronomy and Space Science 
• Undertaking independent research and producing high-quality research outputs
• Supporting research grant applications and building collaborative research relationships
• Supporting students through assessment, feedback, academic guidance and pastoral support

What will you bring to the role?

• A PhD in a relevant discipline, completed or submitted by interview date, or equivalent qualification or professional experience
• Broad knowledge of Space and Planetary Science, with expertise in spacecraft design and operations, space utilisation and/or space exploration
• Experience teaching Physics, Astronomy, Space Science or Planetary Science in higher education
• An emerging record of internationally excellent research and high-quality research outputs in Space and Planetary Science

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You'll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• 43 days' leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

The position is full time and is fixed-term for 2 years.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have about the role, please contact

Director of Studies, Dr Tim Kinnear (T.M.Kinnear@kent.ac.uk), and/or

Deputy Head of School, Dr Rowena Paget (R.E.Paget@kent.ac.uk).

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number EMP-014-26.

We particularly welcome applications from female and black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area

Further details:

Job Description
Additional Information

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.

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