Post Doctoral Research Associate Job at Canterbury Full Time NEW

Are you excited by the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research helping protect the future of space exploration? If so, this 36 month fixed term role could be ideal.

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative Research Associate to join the ERC-funded PROSPER project, exploring the risks posed by space debris and helping develop technologies that support sustainable access to space. Working within an interdisciplinary team across physics, chemistry, engineering and computing, you’ll play a key role in developing and testing next-generation debris detectors.

As Research Associate you can expect to be involved in:

• Building and developing dust detector prototypes for testing and validation
• Conducting impact experiments using the University’s two-stage light gas gun facility
• Analysing detector data and developing software to support data processing and interpretation
• Presenting research findings through publications, presentations and collaborative project work

What will you bring to the role?

• A PhD (completed or near completion) in physics, engineering, computing or a related discipline, or equivalent research experience
• Experience working in a scientific laboratory or research environment
• Coding experience in Python, Matlab, LabVIEW or similar
• A collaborative and proactive approach, with enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research

What we can offer in return:

As a member of our team, you can expect a friendly, open and collaborative working environment and support in your development and wellbeing. You’ll enjoy a range of great staff benefits including:

• 43 days’ leave per year (personal leave, bank holidays and additional days allocated for the Christmas period, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Excellent pension scheme with generous employer contributions
• Corporate employee-funded healthcare plan, in partnership with Benenden Health

For more information about what you can look forward to if you join us, visit our dedicated webpage: Working at Kent

We are ambitious for our people, our communities and the region we serve – join us in making the world a better place. Visit our website for more on who we are: http://www.kent.ac.uk/about/

Please see the links below to view the full job description and to apply for this post. For further information regarding the application process, please contact peopleserviceshr@kent.ac.uk quoting reference number EMP-010-26.

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented at this level in this area

Further details:

*Occasionally we may need to close a vacancy before the published deadline due to a high number of applications being received, therefore we strongly advise you to submit your application as soon as possible. (All vacancies will be open for at least one week.)

PLEASE NOTE: We prioritise applications from current University of Kent redeployees. We will let you know if this post is to be filled by a redeployee as, in this instance, your application will unfortunately not be taken forward.

We know applicants may use AI tools to help prepare job applications. For guidance on how to use AI responsibly and effectively, see: Using AI in your job application

Applications must be made via the University’s online application system; CVs or details sent directly to the department or via email cannot be considered.

The University of Kent values diversity and equality at all levels.