Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics

SONICOM; Greater London; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

JUICE J-MAG science team membership

Sector-leading salary and remuneration

41 days' annual leave

Generous pension schemes

Flexible working from day one

Family leave packages

On-site leisure facilities

Cycle-to-work scheme

Interest-free season ticket loan

Diverse and inclusive work culture

Job summary

Imperial College London invites applications for a Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics. The role centres on analysing magnetic field and plasma measurements around Ganymede, contributing to electromagnetic sounding of its subsurface ocean, and collaborating with JUICE teams to publish findings.

The position offers a path to impactful research within a world‑leading institution, and personnel benefits including generous leave and pension schemes.

Qualifications

• PhD in Space/Planetary Physics or closely related discipline.
• Experience analysing spacecraft data, theory, or numerical modelling.
• Original research with peer‑reviewed publications.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize existing magnetic field and plasma measurements around Ganymede to characterize its environment.
• Engage with Imperial College London and JUICE team members; present results at conferences and in publications.
• Contribute to high‑precision electromagnetic sounding of a subsurface ocean.

Skills

Space/Planetary Physics

Data analysis

Modelling

Education

PhD in Space/Planetary Physics

Tools

Python

Job description

Research Associate in Space & Planetary Physics

We are seeking a Research Associate in space & planetary physics to make important contributions to our understanding of the largest moon of Jupiter: Ganymede. You will work both independently and as part of UK and international teams tied to the ESA JUICE mission which is expected to arrive at the Jupiter system in July 2031. You will analyse existing magnetic field and plasma measurements at Ganymede, revealing the electromagnetic and plasma environment around the moon and constraining the electrical conductivity of the of the subsurface ocean.

What you would be doing

You will synthesize existing in-situ magnetic field and plasma measurements around Ganymede, augmented by theory and well-established modelling techniques, to characterize the time-varying magnetic field and plasma environment of Ganymede, which is essential for high-precision electromagnetic sounding of Ganymede’s subsurface ocean. You will regularly interact with other space and planetary scientists at Imperial College London, other members of the JUICE J-MAG team, and the wider ESA JUICE team. You will present your results at conferences and via peer-reviewed publications.

What we are looking for

• A PhD in Space/Planetary Physics or a closely related discipline
• Experience in the analysis of spacecraft data, theory, or numerical modelling
• A track record of original research that includes peer-reviewed publications

What we can offer you

• Membership of the JUICE J-MAG science team as the mission enters its exciting science phase.
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity
• Benefit from a sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 41 days' annual leave and generous pension schemes).
• Access to a range of workplace benefits including a flexible working policy from day one, generous family leave packages, on-site leisure facilities and cycle-to-work scheme.
• Interest-free season ticket loan schemes for travel.
• Be part of a diverse, inclusive and collaborative work culture with various staff networks and resources to support your personal and professional wellbeing .

Further information

*Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Where Imperial or funder conditions necessitate, you will be required to complete timesheets for your work on projects in a timely manner.

This is a full-time position with an anticipated start date between January 2027 and September 2027. The earliest possible start date is 1st January 2027 while the latest possible start data is 30th September 2027.

You will join a research group that has extensive science heritage through major involvement in the past Cassini-Huygens mission and the ongoing JUICE mission. We play an active role in the definition of future missions spanning space and planetary physics.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.

Please note that job descriptions are not exhaustive, and you may be asked to take on additional duties that align with the key responsibilities mentioned above.

The Department of Physics is proud to hold an Athena SWAN Silver Award, recognising our commitment to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and thriving community. We value the strength that comes from diverse perspectives, and we warmly welcome applications from talented people of all backgrounds, and particularly those underrepresented in physics, to join our vibrant community supported by initiatives that promote collaboration, inclusivity, and professional development.

About Imperial

Welcome to Imperial, a global top-ten university where scientific imagination leads to world-changing impact.

Join us and be part of something bigger. From global health to climate change, AI to business leadership, here at Imperial we navigate some of the world’s toughest challenges. Whatever your role, your contribution will have a lasting impact.

As a member of our vibrant community of 22,000 students and 8,000 staff, you’ll collaborate with passionate minds across nine London campuses and a global network.

This is your chance to help shape the future. We hope you’ll join us at Imperial College London.

Our Culture

We work towards equality of opportunity, to eliminating discrimination, and to creating an inclusive working environment for all. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries, and are committed to employing a team that has diverse skills, experiences and abilities. You can read more about our commitment on our web pages .

Proud signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces community.

Our values are at the root of everything we do, and everyone in our community is expected to demonstrate respect, collaboration, excellence, integrity, and innovation.