Company: The Open University
Location: Milton Keynes
Posted: May 4th, 2026
The Open University is the UKs largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education. Find out more about us and our mission by watching this short video (you will be taken to YouTube by clicking this link).
You will be welcomed as Research Associate in the team of the MoonRISE project, an interdisciplinary research project funded by UKRI, investigating the cultural, scientific and environmental factors that determine what can be considered as sites of interest on the Moon. It also examines the governance and ethical implications of defining sites of interest for different communities and cultures. You would be based within the Law School to undertake research on Lunar governance, in close collaboration with members of the team.
About MoonRISE
MoonRISE is a project funded by UKRI that researches the effective governance of sites of cultural, scientific and environmental interest on the Moon. The project team spans three Faculties: The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the Faculty of Business and Law, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences. The project builds upon the work of AstrobiologyOU, which looks at the scientific, ethical and governance challenges associated with Astrobiology.
About AstrobiologyOU
AstrobiologyOU is an interdisciplinary research group addressing the scientific, ethical and governance challenges associated with the advancement of astrobiology and related space exploration missions. It spans three Faculties: The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, the Faculty of Business and Law, and the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, bringing together 60 members with expertise in science, international development and governance. The Groups activities are supported by funding from UK Research councils, The UK Space Agency, The European Space Agency, and commercial activities, and has grown to its current strengths through a 7.4 million investment from Research Englands Expanding Excellence in England scheme.
About the Unit
The Faculty of Business and Law is one of the four faculties of The Open University. It brings together two Schools The Open University Business School and The Open University Law School and has a strong reputation as a high-quality and innovative provider of management and legal education. Our courses and qualifications are studied by a wide range of people from all backgrounds we are proud to promote opportunity and social justice by making higher education open to those unable to attend a more traditional campus-based university.
Student satisfaction is a high priority, and we are determined to deliver the best outcomes for everyone studying with us. Our students return some of the highest satisfaction scores in the National Student Survey they have ever since the NSS began.
Around 35,000 students are currently enrolled on our business, management and law programmes; about quarter of them are based outside the UK in 80 countries. The majority of our students are employed and study part-time with us.
The Open University Business School is triple accredited (AACSB, AMBA and EQUIS). Our internationally recognised teaching and learning methods take education right to the heart of leadership and management practice. Tutors are experienced business professionals, and because our distance learning approach allows managers to continue at work while studying, you can apply new knowledge and skills right from the start. Over 100,000 people from more than 125 countries have already studied with The Open University Business School.
Essential criteria:
Desirable criteria:
If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).
We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether its a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.
It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office some attendance in the office will be required in response to business needs. Wed expect this to be at least 2 days per week, but this could be more often as business needs dictate.
We expect interviews to take place on 1st and 2nd June 2026. These will be held in person at our Milton Keynes site.
While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications has been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented. If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.
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