Lecturer in Geophysics

Interested in understanding the interior of Earth and other planets? Interested in environmental change and how to monitor it? Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a Lecturer in Geophysics, to join us this Summer 2026. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to expanding Birkbeck’s teaching and research in the field of geology, planetary and environmental sciences.

The School of Natural Sciences is looking to appoint an exceptional lecturer in the area of geophysics, on a fixed-term research and teaching position for a period of four years. 

You will be part of a vibrant team of researchers in the natural sciences at Birkbeck, and with links to UCL through our strong relationship with the Earth Science Department and Centre for Planetary Science. You will benefit from an outstanding research environment, including state of the art laboratory spaces and high-performance computing resources. 

As a core member of our academic staff, you will contribute to the School through teaching, research, and administration. You will lead an internationally recognised research programme focussed on an area of geophysics and will apply for external funds to support these activities.

You will make a core contribution to a BSc in Environmental Science, Geology and Planetary Science with Astronomy and participate in other BSc and MSc programmes related to your area, as well as supervising undergraduate, MSc and PhD research students, contribute to the organisation of teaching and research activities within the School and be active in knowledge transfer and public engagement.

You will also contribute to a range of activities to support the strong collaborative culture of the School.

To apply for this role, you will have a PhD in an area of geoscience or planetary science, or a closely related subject, that would build and expand on the expertise in the School. We are interested in candidates with experience in any area of geophysics, with those focused on planetary or environmental science especially encouraged.

You will also have a proven record of publishing high quality research and an aptitude for, and experience in, teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level.

You will also have an understanding of Birkbeck, our principles of widening participation in higher education, and working with mature age, part time, and non-traditional learners from a diversity of backgrounds.

Specifically, you will be an active researcher in an area directly relevant to geophysics and have experience in the design, delivery and convening of courses at undergraduate and postgraduate level relevant to your background.

This opportunity would build on prior experience in the field of geophysics and related areas.

Remuneration

£44,247 rising to £60,858 per annum. The salary is Grade LLEC on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated Weighting/Allowance which applies only to staff whose normal contractual place of work is in the London area.

Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements, generous benefits in the HE sector, and being located in Euston, London.

Terms and Conditions

Starting 4 August 2026 - fixed-term, 4 year contract, full-time (35 hours per week, Monday-Friday, there is considerable flexibility, including the need to do evening teaching). Please submit a CV and statement outlining your suitability for the role. Closing date: 6 April 2026, Interview date: 6 May 2026. Visa sponsorship available. 

Enquiries

If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Prof James Hammond, Professor of Geophysics, at james.hammond@bbk.ac.uk.

If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered.

We welcome applicants from all sections of the community and backgrounds to apply www.bbk.ac.uk/jobs. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.