Research Assistant for Lunar In-Situ Resource Propellant Extraction

The University of Surrey is seeking two part-time Research Assistants (0.33 FTE) to support MAGPIE, a European Space Agency-funded project investigating whether magnesium derived from lunar material could serve as a practical feedstock for electric propulsion. The nine-month project brings together the University of Surrey and Eos Space Technology Ltd. These are fixed-term positions until June 2027, based at Surrey Space Centre, working under the supervision of Dr Sungwoo Lim and Dr Andrea Lucca Fabris.

The two Research Assistants will undertake complementary activities.

Lunar resources and feedstock assessment:
You will review published measurements of lunar samples and composition maps to assess magnesium abundance and the minerals that contain it. You will compare these findings with available lunar regolith simulants and help select a representative material for laboratory testing. You will also conduct chemical and mineralogical characterisation. Your work will provide a documented feedstock specification and estimates of magnesium availability for extraction and for system studies.

Extraction assessment and laboratory investigation:
You will compare molten regolith electrolysis, carbothermal reduction and vacuum pyrolysis using published evidence and preliminary thermodynamic, mass and energy calculations. You will help prepare the experimental plan, vapour-collection interfaces and analytical methods for a high-temperature vacuum furnace. You will also conduct laboratory experiments and analyse the feed, residue and collected deposits to assess magnesium redistribution or recovery.

Both roles will involve maintaining research records, interpreting results, and contributing to technical reports and project meetings.

About you:
You will have a degree in a relevant subject, such as space engineering, chemical engineering, materials science, chemistry, physics or planetary science, or equivalent experience.

You will need:
- The ability to critically review scientific literature and to interpret quantitative data.
- Relevant knowledge of mineralogy or geochemistry for the resource role, or of thermal processing, thermodynamics or experimental engineering for the extraction role.
- The ability to perform scientific calculations and to document methods, assumptions and results clearly.
- An organised approach to research, strong written communication, and the ability to work with colleagues across disciplines.
- For duties involving laboratory work, the ability to follow approved procedures and work safely, with appropriate training and supervision.