Research Associate in Mars Glaciology

Overview

The University of Sheffield invites applications for the Research Associate in Mars Glaciology. The role supports a Royal Society University Research Fellowship grant ) led by Frances Butcher and titled “Unlocking Martian Climate Archives:
The Glaciological Groundwork for the First Ice Cores from Mars.” The project studies buried water-ice glaciers in Mars’ mid-latitudes to understand ice flow histories and climate archives through high-resolution orbital data and numerical modelling.

• Perform a global survey of orbital images of mid-latitude glaciers on Mars to produce a database of natural incisions (e.g. impact craters, sublimation pits, gullies) revealing glacier-internal layering and structure.
• Contribute towards project elements aligned with your strengths:
• Numerical ice flow modelling (e.g., using ISSM) to understand how ice flow history influences configurations and ages of ice layers;
• Develop and evaluate automated approaches to mapping and classifying glacier-surface structures and other ice-related morphologies (e.g., training and assessing deep learning models in ESRI ArcGIS Pro or equivalent).
• Collaborate with international project partners and connect analyses with ground-penetrating radar investigations using SHARAD on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
• Use research findings to identify targets for new data acquisitions by active orbital instruments.
• Disseminate findings through high-quality scientific publications, conference presentations, workshops, and public outreach activities as planned within the project.
• Stay up to date with Mars exploration strategy and contribute to planned project workshops to guide current and future Mars missions.
• Seek and engage with training to support career development; project funding includes support for training needs.
• Support the Cryo Mars research network activities, including helping organise biennial Cryo Mars conferences (and pre-conference workshops) in 2027 and 2029.
• Carry out other duties commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.

• Essential:
  PhD in a relevant discipline (or relevant experience).
• Essential:
  Experience in glaciology or Mars geomorphology; ability to apply specialist techniques in remote sensing.
• Essential:
  Knowledge of numerical ice flow modelling and/or machine learning for image/terrain analysis; experience in writing publications.
• Essential:
  Excellent planning and organisational skills; clear scientific thinking; ability to develop and pursue new ideas.
• Essential:
  Effective interpersonal and communication skills for presenting research findings and collaborations.
• Essential:
  Ability to manage time and work independently to meet objectives and milestones.
• Essential:
  Proficiency in relevant programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
• Essential:
  Experience with ISSM or similar numerical ice flow models and/or deep learning in ESRI ArcGIS or similar software.
• Desirable:
  Proficiency with GIS, HPC, and related software; experience disseminating research to non-academic stakeholders.

Grade 7;
Salary £38,784–£41,064. Full-time, fixed-term for 3 years, start 01 April 2026 and end 31 March 2029. Benefits include generous leave, pension, flexible working, discounts, development opportunities, and family-friendly policies.

For informal enquiries, contact Frances Butcher (Project PI) at  The project page:

Selection is expected in late January 2026, with interviews including a short presentation. If adjustments are needed to participate in the recruitment process, contact

We are a Disability Confident Employer and value a diverse community of staff and students. Our vision and benefits are described at  and in the benefits page: