Lecturer in Space and Planetary Science

University of Kent; Canterbury; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

43 days leave per year (personal leave

Excellent pension scheme

Healthcare plan with Benenden Health

Job summary

The University of Kent invites applications for a Lecturer in Space and Planetary Science in the School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics. This two-year fixed-term Education and Research contract offers the chance to contribute to undergraduate teaching across Physics, Astronomy and Space Science while pursuing independent research that enhances the university's international portfolio.

We welcome applicants with a PhD in a relevant field, expertise in spacecraft design/operations or space

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

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

Skills

Space and Planetary Science knowledge

Higher education teaching experience

Research output

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

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 School of Engineering, Mathematics and Physics ’ welcoming and diverse environment has been recognised with a Silver Athena SWAN award. Our staff and students are from all over the world, and we are proud of our friendly and inclusive culture. We support colleagues through family-friendly policies, including a core hours policy, the right to apply for flexible working, and support for staff returning from periods of extended absence, for example, parental leave.

The position is full time and is fixed term for two years.

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

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

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