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Overview

The School of Geography and Planning seeks to appoint a Research Associate with a background in glaciology or Mars geomorphology to investigate the internal structure and flow histories of water-ice glaciers in the mid-latitudes of Mars, as recorded by abundant structures on the glacier surfaces. This role forms part of a Royal Society University Research Fellowship grant (2025-2033) led by Frances Butcher, entitled ‘Unlocking Martian Climate Archives: The Glaciological Groundwork for the First Ice Cores from Mars’.

Mars hosts thousands of buried water-ice glaciers in its mid-latitudes. They are thought to have formed under cyclical climate changes and are exciting targets in the search for life. The glaciers are key targets for next-generation missions including orbiters, landers, and eventually human missions, which could extract the first Martian ice cores.

You will combine GIS-based mapping and terrain analyses using data from Mars orbiters with:

1.  Numerical ice flow modelling, for example using the Ice Sheet and Sea Level System Model (ISSM).

and/or

2.  The development of automated (e.g., machine learning) approaches for mapping glacier-surface morphologies on Mars.

You will join a cutting-edge research project which is driving forward our understanding of Martian glaciology and climate history, in search of the best potential ice coring sites. The project harnesses high-resolution orbital data and numerical modelling to decode the ice flow and climate histories recorded by glacier-surface structures on Mars. It will also investigate the possible configurations and ages of glacier-internal layers which could be accessed by ice borehole or coring missions.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Perform a global survey of orbital images of mid-latitude glaciers on Mars to produce a database of natural incisions (e.g. impact craters, sublimation pits, gullies) which reveal glacier-internal layering and structure.
• Contribute towards one or both the following elements of the research project, according to your interests and proficiencies:
  • Perform numerical ice flow modelling experiments, for example with ISSM, to understand the influence of ice flow history on the potential configurations and ages of ice layers within Martian glaciers;

and/or

• • Develop and evaluate automated approaches to mapping and classifying glacier-surface structures and other ice-related morphologies on Mars (for example by training and assessing deep learning models in ESRI ArcGIS Pro, or alternative approaches as appropriate).
• Work with international project collaborators to connect analyses with ground-penetrating radar investigations using the Shallow Radar (SHARAD) instrument on Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
• Use research findings to recommend targets for new data acquisitions by active orbital instruments.
• Contribute to the dissemination of research findings via the preparation of high-quality scientific publications, presentations at national and international conferences, and via scientific workshops and public outreach activities planned as part of the research project.
• Stay up to date with the latest developments in national and international Mars exploration strategy and contribute to a planned project workshop using your findings to help guide strategies for current and future Mars missions.
• Seek and engage with training courses to enhance your career development goals and the project’s research outputs. The project grant includes funding to support your training needs.
• Support the activities of the ‘CryoMars’ research network (founded and led by the project PI), including by assisting in the organisation of biennial CryoMars conferences (and associated pre-conference workshops) in 2027 and 2029.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Further Information

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in late January 2026. This will consist of an interview including a short presentation. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage early to mid-January 2026. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact gpl-ops@sheffield.ac.uk.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

What we offer

• A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• Generous pension scheme.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
• Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
• A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
• A range of generous family-friendly policies
  • paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
  • support for those going through the menopause
  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment
  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision (www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.