Research Assistant for Lunar In-Situ Resource Propellant Extraction

University of Surrey; Guildford; Sur place; GBP 8 000 - 12 000; Temps partiel

Résumé du poste

University of Surrey seeks two part-time Research Assistants (0.33 FTE) to support MAGPIE, a European Space Agency funded project on lunar magnesium feedstock for electric propulsion. The roles involve high‑temperature experimental work at Surrey Space Centre, under professors Lim and Fabris, on a fixed-term contract to June 2027.

Responsibilities include reviewing lunar samples, laboratory characterisation, and planning experiments.

Qualifications

• Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant science/engineering field.
• Ability to critically review scientific literature and interpret quantitative data.
• Strong written communication and ability to collaborate across disciplines.
• Willingness to follow approved lab procedures and maintain records.

Responsabilités

• Review published measurements of lunar samples and maps to assess magnesium abundance.
• Conduct chemical/mineralogical characterisation and compare materials for testing.
• Assist in experimental planning and high-temperature vacuum furnace work.
• Maintain accurate research notes and contribute to reports and meetings.

Connaissances

Literature review

Data interpretation

Scientific calculations

Written communication

Formation

Bachelor’s degree in space engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or planetary science, or equivalent experience

Description du poste

Research Assistant for Lunar In‑Situ Resource Propellant Extraction

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life‑changing education and research.

We are seeking two part‑time Research Assistants (0.33 FTE) to support MAGPIE, a European Space Agency‑funded project investigating whether magnesium derived from lunar material could serve as a practical feedstock for electric propulsion. The nine‑month project brings together the University of Surrey and Eos Space Technology Ltd.

The roles offer an opportunity to contribute to lunar resource research and to prepare high‑temperature experiments at Surrey Space Centre, working with the project team under the supervision of Dr Sungwoo Lim and Dr Andrea Lucca Fabris. These are fixed‑term positions until June 2027.

The two Research Assistants will undertake complementary activities.

Lunar resources and feedstock assessment

You will review published measurements of lunar samples and composition maps to assess magnesium abundance and the minerals that contain it. You will compare these findings with available lunar regolith simulants and help select a representative material for laboratory testing. You will also conduct chemical and mineralogical characterisation. Your work will provide a documented feedstock specification and estimates of magnesium availability for extraction and for system studies.

Extraction assessment and laboratory investigation

You will compare molten regolith electrolysis, carbothermal reduction and vacuum pyrolysis using published evidence and preliminary thermodynamic, mass and energy calculations. You will help prepare the experimental plan, vapour‑collection interfaces and analytical methods for a high‑temperature vacuum furnace. You will also conduct laboratory experiments and analyse the feed, residue and collected deposits to assess magnesium redistribution or recovery.

Both roles will involve maintaining research records, interpreting results, and contributing to technical reports and project meetings.

About you

You will have a degree in a relevant subject, such as space engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or planetary science, or equivalent experience.

You will need:

• The ability to critically review scientific literature and to interpret quantitative data.
• Relevant knowledge of mineralogy or geochemistry for the resource role, or of thermal processing, thermodynamics or experimental engineering for the extraction role.
• The ability to perform scientific calculations and to document methods, assumptions and results clearly.
• An organised approach to research, strong written communication, and the ability to work with colleagues across disciplines.
• For duties involving laboratory work, the ability to follow approved procedures and work safely, with appropriate training and supervision.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community. Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under‑represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.