Lecturer in Planetary Science Full-time

Lecturer in Planetary Science

The Department (MSSL) is located on its own campus in the beautiful Surrey Hills, surrounded by woodland 30 miles south of central London, and is the UK's largest university space research group, with approximately 90 research active staff and students, and a total staff of ~150. We aim to unravel the mysteries of the Universe through research in fields ranging from the Earth's climate and solar system physics to astrophysics and cosmology.

Space science is a discipline that demands highly innovative technologies and MSSL has an international reputation for excellence in this area. UCL was one of the first universities in the world to become involved in making scientific observations in space. Since the Department was established in 1966, we have participated in 73 satellite missions with the European Space Agency, NASA (USA), Japan, Russia, China and India, and flown over 224 rocket experiments. MSSL has contributed to 14 instruments currently operating on 12 satellites. Two further launches are expected during 2026 (SMILE and PLATO). We have the rare capability of designing, building and testing instruments and other spacecraft systems on site. Our research scientists and development engineers work together to ensure the scientific capability of the instruments we produce.

This post is a permanent lectureship in Planetary Science and will be held within the Planetary Science Group at the Mullard Space Science Laboratory in the Department of Space and Climate Physics.

The successful applicant will be expected to pursue a vigorous internationally competitive original research programme, initially exploiting data from the Rosalind Franklin Mission, but also other planetary environments, such as the Moon and the icy moons of the Outer Planets. They will actively pursue opportunities to lead future space missions and/or space instrument roles at the frontiers of Planetary Science, and aligned with the Group's strategic science interests.

Applications in the fields of study of planetary surface science and multispectral observations, both insitu and remote, are particularly welcomed, but are not restricted to this area.

The post holder will also contribute to the teaching programme of the Department, and to its planning and organisation, participate in the life of the Department and undertake other tasks that may be assigned by the Head of Department.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant field, along with a command of the planetary surface science field and/or the use of imaging and spectroscopic instruments to study planetary surfaces and habitability, that shows both breadth and depth. They will have experience in data analysis methods relevant for investigating past or present habitability of planetary environments, and evidence of an active research profile at national and international level, with a growing reputation. It is essential that you have the ability to supervise academic work by PhD and MSc students and the ability to pursue a successful science research programme, demonstrating independent research ideas and a commitment to the scientific method.

Teaching experience at undergraduate/postgraduate university level is desirable but not essential.

Please review the job description, paying particular attention to the Essential and Desirable criteria, and ensure these are covered in your application.

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.

A full job description including person specification, eligibility and application requirements can be accessed via the links below.

As London's Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent.

We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award, in recognition of our long-term commitment and 'beacon' status in advancing gender equality. We are in the process of applying for an Institute of Physics Inclusion Award.

You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here.