Research Associate (Planet Mercury)

About the role

This STFC-funded Research and Innovation Associate (RIA) position represents an exciting opportunity to join the ESA/JAXA BepiColombo instrument team at the University of Leicester. We will soon be receiving the first data back from Mercury via the UK’s only PI instrument: the Mercury Imaging X-ray Spectrometer (MIXS) (Emma Bunce PI). This post is the first of four positions available through STFC Large Grant funding to the “Planet Mercury: Origins, Evolution, and Interactions” consortium between the University of Leicester, Open University and Imperial College. Further posts will be advertised in 2026.

The successful candidate will work with Emma Bunce, John Bridges and Adrian Martindale at Space Park Leicester. This represents a fantastic opportunity to develop your career analysing data from a live space mission, working with the research team both within the individual Institutions, the Planet Mercury consortium, and with the wider MIXS team.

About you

You will hold a PhD in planetary science or a closely related field, with particular expertise in geochemistry, spacecraft data analysis, and/or X-ray fluorescence techniques. A strong publication record, evidence of independent research capability, and experience working within collaborative research environments are essential. Proficiency in Python and a solid grasp of planetary geological processes, especially those relevant to Mercury, will be key to your success in this role.

Additional information

Vacancy terms

Full-time, fixed term contract for 36 months from October 2025 (or soon after) with extension possible.