Senior Research Associate in Geology; Earth and Lunar Crustal Evolution

Position

Senior Research Associate in Geology (Earth and Lunar Crustal Evolution)

University of Portsmouth

Portsmouth, United Kingdom

Academic

Contract

42-month position

£35,608 - £39,906 per annum

• Competitive salary
  , including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family‑friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start‑up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• Additional benefits available upon request.

Independent research on the petrogenesis of impact melts and lunar samples using an integrated sample‑based, theoretical and potentially field‑based approach. Develop expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis; bring one or more of microstructural analysis, isotope geochemistry and/or thermodynamic modelling. Work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and alongside project co‑leads.

Utilise leading facilities, including electron microscopy, electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD), femtosecond laser‑ablation ICP‑MS/MS and MC‑ICP‑MS at Portsmouth, EPMA and thermodynamic modelling at Birkbeck, and NanoSIMS at the Open University. Some travel to collaborators and sample repositories is required, with optional fieldwork in Sudbury, Ontario and other terrestrial impact structures.

Collaborate with project partner Vale Base Metals to explore implications of impact melt sheet evolution for world‑class Ni‑Cu‑PGE sulfide ore formation. Mentorship will be provided by the Project Lead and co‑leads to develop complementary skills.

PhD in geology or a related discipline. Expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis. Experience or capability in microstructural analysis, isotope geochemistry and/or thermodynamic modelling. Experience working with high‑precision analytical instruments and data interpretation will be valued.

5 July 2026

Contact James Darling () with any questions or to discuss the position. Application forms and further details are available upon request.