Senior Research Fellow - PanCam Enfys Operations and Science

Weekly

Working Hours:

37
Contract Type:
Fixed Term Contract
End Date: 31 March 2027
Welsh Language:
Not Applicable
Salary: £59,966 per annum

The successful candidate will work as part of the Planetary Environments Group at Open University, and be based in Milton Keynes. They will perform science and operations preparatory work to support the Pan Cam and Enfys instruments on the Exo Mars Rosalind Franklin Rover mission (RFM). Day‑to‑day, the role includes online meetings with the wider Pan Cam/Enfys team, and other RFM stakeholders such as the European Space Agency, and self‑directed tasks such as designing training materials and formal documents to feed into Rover operation design.

The successful candidate will learn and use bespoke online tools and software packages related to the Rover mission operations, and there will be opportunities to travel to Pan Cam/Enfys partners to use engineering models of the instruments to collect data.

• Support RFM Rover Simulation and Field Trial preparation, and play a leading operations role in these activities.
• Produce instructional documents covering description and interpretation of landscape to outcrop‑level geological features to be used by the Pan Cam/Enfys RFM teams.
• Prepare scientific and logistical planning to support future Pan Cam/Enfys field training.
• Help define typical sol activity plans for ongoing ESA efforts to develop strategic planning tools.
• Lead or co‑lead Pan Cam/Enfys online seminar organisation.
• Present at conferences and team meetings.
• Lead publication of paper(s) focusing on the Pan Cam/Enfys activity in RFM field trials.

• A track record of independent research in Mars Rover science:
  Evidence required: PI of relevant research grant(s) or fellowship(s).
• A multi-year track record of active and valued participation in Mars Rover missions such as Curiosity, Perseverance, MER or Zhurong. Evidence required: mission or instrument team membership for Mars Rover missions.
• A strong record of research publication in Mars Rover Science. Evidence required: 1st author publication(s) from Mars Rover science in the last 2 years.
• Deep knowledge, understanding and experience of operations and surface geology science exploitation from Mars Rover mission(s).
• A deep background and high‑level expertise in terrestrial field geology.
• Experience of preparing, leading and delivering geological field instruction relevant to Mars rover missions.
• Experience participating in Rover field trials and simulations.
• Evidence of working in a team collaboratively.

• Experience as surface properties scientist on a Mars Rover mission (or equivalent science/engineering crossover experience).
• Experience working with the UK Pan Cam and Enfys teams.
• Full driving licence and off road driving experience.

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on or email  quoting the advert reference number.

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.

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.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that attendance on our Milton Keynes campus will be required when necessary and in response to business needs. There is an expectation that you will work from our Milton Keynes office at least 3 days per week.

If shortlisted, we anticipate interviews will likely take place 15th and/or 16th July via MS Teams.

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s): CV, Supporting Statement (Your Supporting Statement should be no more than 1000 words and should outline how your skills and experience to date meets the essential and desirable criteria listed above).

For any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact:

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