Senior Research Associate

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; Hybrid; GBP 36,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

32–35 days leave

Family-friendly policies

Staff discounts

Staff parking

Training opportunities

Recreation facilities

Discounted learning

Entrepreneurs mentoring

Job summary

The University of Portsmouth invites applications for a Senior Research Associate to join the NERC 'Pushing the Frontiers' project, studying hypervelocity impact melting in early crust evolution. You will investigate igneous petrogenesis of impact melts and lunar samples using an integrated approach with electron microscopy and isotope geochemistry.

The successful candidate will work under the PI and Co-Leads, with opportunities to develop skills in modelling and collaborations across partner

Qualifications

• Expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis.
• Experience with microstructural analysis, isotope geochemistry or thermodynamic modelling.

Responsibilities

• Conduct petrogenesis research on impact melts and lunar samples.
• Utilize integrated sample-based, theoretical and field approaches.
• Collaborate with project leads and partners across institutions.

Skills

Igneous petrogenesis

Mineral microanalysis

Microstructural analysis

Isotope geochemistry

Thermodynamic modelling

Electron microscopy

EBSD

Laser‑ablation ICP‑MS

MC‑ICP‑MS

EPMA

NanoSIMS

Tools

Electron microscopy

EBSD

Laser‑ablation ICP‑MS

MC‑ICP‑MS

EPMA

NanoSIMS

Job description

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role:

Applications are invited for a Senior Research Associate to join a NERC "Pushing the Frontiers" project investigating the role of hypervelocity impact melting in early crustal evolution. The project connects Earth's best-preserved impact melt sheets with lunar samples to build a unified Earth–Moon perspective on the earliest crust.

Working under the guidance of the Principal Investigator and alongside the project Co‑Leads, you will play a central role in research on the petrogenesis of impact melts and lunar samples using an integrated sample-based, theoretical and potentially field-based approach. Applicants will bring expertise in igneous petrogenesis and mineral microanalysis, as well as one or more of microstructural analysis, isotope geochemistry and/or thermodynamic modelling. The successful candidate will be supported to develop complementary skills through mentoring by the Project Lead, James Darling, and Co‑Leads: Eleanor Jennings (Birkbeck University of London), Mahesh Anand (The Open University), and Katherine Joy (The University of Manchester).

The project will make strong use of leading facilities and capabilities, including electron microscopy, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and femtosecond laser‑ablation ICP‑MS/MS and MC‑ICP‑MS at Portsmouth, EPMA and thermodynamic modelling of igneous systems at Birkbeck, and NanoSIMS at the Open University. Some travel is required (e.g. to collaborators and/or sample repositories), and there is the option of fieldwork in Sudbury, Ontario and other terrestrial impact structures. In collaboration with project partner Vale Base Metals, the project will also explore implications of impact melt sheet evolution for world‑class Ni–Cu–PGE sulfide ore formation.

We welcome applications from researchers who enjoy detailed analytical work, careful interpretation, and collaborative science.

Whilst there is a need to be in Portsmouth a few days a week, hybrid working is available for this role.

The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 30 November 2026.

This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 30 June 3030.

Interested applicants are encouraged to contact James Darling at [e-mail] with questions and to discuss the position.

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.

Salary Information:

New appointments will routinely be made to the entry spine point (minimum) for the advertised grade, from where the individual will (in addition to receiving annual cost‑of‑living‑related increases) progress through the pay range to the maximum for the grade, within a reasonable timeframe. This ensures fairness, consistency and transparency in our pay structures. A higher starting salary or market supplement may be available for a truly exceptional candidate when circumstances fully justify a departure from our normal policy.

UKVI Statement:

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement:

We are committed to upholding the University’s values of being ambitious, open and responsible, in an inclusive working environment that promotes dignity and respect.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

Senior Research Associate

Company: University of Portsmouth

Salary: £36,320 to £40,704 a year

Hours: Full-time

Location: Portsmouth, PO1 2UP

Working pattern: Hybrid - 2 days remote

Job type: Contract

Posting date: 22 Oct 2026

Closing date: 1 Nov 2026

Summary

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group – one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.