Post-Doctoral Research Associate, MoonRISE (FBL)

The Open University's Faculty of Business and Law hosts the MoonRISE project, a UKRI-funded interdisciplinary research initiative examining the cultural, scientific, and environmental dimensions of lunar sites of interest. This postdoctoral position is based in the Law School and focuses on the legal and regulatory dimensions of lunar governance. The postholder will analyse existing governance frameworks including draft space resources principles, the Artemis Accords, COPUOS long-term sustainability guidelines, and terrestrial analogues such as the Antarctic Treaty and UNCLOS, to develop principled approaches to conflict resolution and resource management in the lunar environment. This is an exceptional opportunity for a space law or international governance researcher to produce policy-relevant scholarship at the frontier of lunar governance debates. 21-month fixed-term contract.

Completed PhD in international law and governance, ideally with a space law and policy focus or related discipline Ability to evaluate environmental and/or cultural heritage protection case studies relevant to space law Demonstrated ability to analyse policy briefs, legal documents, and draft legal texts Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams Experience engaging with non-academic partners or communities beyond academia Track record of peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations appropriate to career stage Desirable: familiarity with space governance debates and COPUOS processes