Lunar Resources Research Assistant — Part-Time, Flexible

University of Surrey; Guildford; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Relocation assistance

Flexible working

Campus facilities access

Travel schemes

On-site nursery

Job summary

The University of Surrey invites applications for two part-time Research Assistant positions (0.33 FTE) to support the MAGPIE project. You will help assess magnesium feedstock from lunar materials, conduct high-temperature experiments at Surrey Space Centre, and contribute to reports under the project team.

Fixed-term until June 2027. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant subject and strong skills in literature review, data interpretation and laboratory documentation.

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant subject (space engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or planetary science).
• Ability to critically review scientific literature and interpret quantitative data.
• Experience with mineralogy or geochemistry or thermal processing/experimental engineering is desirable.
• Strong written communication and documentation of methods, assumptions and results.
• Organised approach to research and ability to work across disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Review lunar sample measurements and mineral maps to assess magnesium abundance and minerals.
• Compare lunar regolith simulants and select representative material for testing.
• Conduct chemical and mineralogical characterisation and document feedstock specs.

Skills

Literature review

Data interpretation

Scientific calculations

Written communication

Organised research

Education

Degree in space engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or planetary science

Tools

Vacuum furnace

Analytical instruments

Job description

The University of Surrey invites applications for two part-time Research Assistant positions (0.33 FTE) to support the MAGPIE project. You will help assess magnesium feedstock from lunar materials, conduct high-temperature experiments at Surrey Space Centre, and contribute to reports under the project team.

Fixed-term until June 2027. Candidates should have a degree in a relevant subject and strong skills in literature review, data interpretation and laboratory documentation.