Senior Fellow Position Closed to Applications

An exciting opportunity to join our team as a Senior Fellow is now **closed to applications**.

The post holder will undertake a self-directed research programme that will sit within the remit of AstrobiologyOU’s research and will result in significant outputs and impact. Their programme will demonstrate effective use of AstrobiologyOU’s and the Open University’s laboratory facilities. The post-holder will be expected to generate income through research grants and/or collaboration with industry.

Closing date: 12th October - 12:00pm (midday)

Key responsibilities

To deliver on an independent research programme that is aligned with the strategic priorities of AstrobiologyOU.
To take a leadership role in applying for external research funding and potential commercial avenues;
To undertake research that is internationally excellent and leads to high impact publications;
To attract and supervise postgraduate students;
To be an active member of AstrobiologyOU, attending regular research group meetings and share knowledge with other members of the team;
To participate in, and host, seminars and workshops aimed at sharing research outcomes, fostering interdisciplinary collaborations and enhancing the reputation of AstrobiologyOU;
To initiate and sustain activities that enhance the impact of research activities;
To contribute expertise and scientific ideas to research projects, methodologies and teaching areas, as appropriate;
To carry out administrative tasks associated with this work, such as risk assessments, workload planning, career development and staff appraisals);
To undertake professional development as an academic researcher;
To have a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity;
To participate in the national and international science community and learned societies;
To undertake other duties, as directed by their Line Manager.

Person Specification

Skills and experience

Essential:

PhD in, or recent experience in, microbiology, geochemistry, planetary/Earth sciences or a related discipline;
Experience of working as part of a research team;
An excellent track record of independent research, as shown by highly-cited or high impact REF-eligible publications;
A demonstrable record of obtaining external funding, commensurate with career stage;
Experience as a Principle or Co-Investigator on research grants;
A demonstrable track record of communicating research results through conference presentations;
Ability to plan and prioritise own workload and work to agreed deadlines;
Good oral and written communication in a variety of contexts, including the ability to offer and receive constructive criticism;
Experience of analysing problems and working creatively to develop innovative and workable solutions;
Experience of supervising PhD or MSc students and evidence of contributing to/or leading on teaching at undergraduate level.
Experience of working in a laboratory environment.

Desirable:

Experience of working across discipline boundaries or in interdisciplinary teams.
Evidence of public engagement or impact-related activities.
Evidence of collaborating with industry or policy stakeholders.
Active membership or contributions to groups, boards of committees within their organization or externally.
A good record of demonstrable research impact, commensurate with stage of career.
A demonstrable experience of administrative and managerial responsibilities in research.