Durham University Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences.

Durham Earth Sciences is one of the very best UK Earth Science departments with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and both the satisfaction and employability of its students. It is regularly ranked in the top 5 of UK departments and is within the global top 30.

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Department of Earth Sciences at Durham University, on a project funded by the European Research Council, "Storage and Eruption of Mushy Magma Systems (STEMMS)".

The aim of the broader project is to explore the links between crystal mush textures, magmatic volatiles and the mobility of stored magmas within the crust. This position will use a combination of petrographic observation and experimental petrology to define links between crystal shape (primarily plagioclase) and undercooling in low to intermediate silica content melts.

The PDRA will be expected to perform and analyse a series of high-temperature piston cylinder experiments to generate controlled crystallisation over a range of pressure, temperature and melt composition, to simulate crustal storage conditions. The PDRA will then combine the experimental results with models of crystallisation to interpret equivalent textural observations on natural materials. The aim will be to understand the conditions of crystal mush formation including the architecture, crystallisation timescales and remobilisation conditions in mushy magmatic systems. The project will require careful textural characterisation as well as geochemical analysis, and integration of results with existing geochronological data.

The high-temperature experimental component of the project is anticipated to take 9-12 months and will be conducted at University of Bristol with Dr Richard Brooker. The position will then revert to Durham University for the remainder of the post. The PDRA will work with the PI and associated partners to interpret the results and produce high-impact publications based on their findings. The PDRA will benefit from close interaction with a wide range of expertise within the broader project collaboration network, and will be expected to attend conferences to present their work.

This post is fixed term for 48 months.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. .

All applicants are asked to submit A CV and covering letter which details your experience, strengths and potential in the requirements set out here; candidates will not be shortlisted if they cannot demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria (i.e. these are mandatory for the post). The assessment for the post will include an interview and a task related to the project.. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview and assessment.