Post-doctoral Research Assistant in Rhenium and Osmium Geochemistry

Department of Earth Science
Location: Egham
Salary: £39,233 per annum - including London Allowance
This is the expected starting salary for this post however appointment at a higher point may be made for candidates who demonstrate exceptional skills and experience relevant to the role.
Post Type: Full Time
Closing Date: 23.59 hours GMT on Friday 24 November 2023
Reference: 1023-434
Full-Time, Fixed-Term 

Applications are invited for the post of Research Assistant in Rhenium and Osmium Geochemistry. The post holder will join the UKRI-supported ERC Consolidator project ‘Disentangling the role of organic feedbacks on the global carbon cycle,’ led by Dr Alex Dickson, which aims to use inorganic isotope geochemistry to trace Earth’s ancient organic carbon cycle. The successful applicant will lead on the development of novel geochemical proxies for organic carbon weathering, focusing on the behaviour of the rhenium and osmium isotope systems in modern aquatic environments. The postholder will work closely with other team members to use their data to quantify oxidative weathering activity in Earth’s past.  

The postholder will join the multi-disciplinary DISTILL project team, which will include other PDRAs and PhD students, as well as undergraduate and masters-level project students. They will have the opportunity to join one of the department’s new research centres, within which they will be supported to develop their own ideas for independent research. They will have the chance to attend international conferences and to undertake fieldwork and research visits to gather sample materials. 

You must have experience working in a clean laboratory to purify elements for isotopic analysis and experience measuring isotopes using Multi-Collector ICP-MS and /or Thermal Ionisation Mass Spectrometry. A knowledge of sedimentary systems, biogeochemical cycles and mechanisms controlling past environmental change, including weathering, are also important for the role. 

We offer a highly competitive rewards and benefits package including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Training and Development opportunities
• Pension Scheme with generous employer contribution 
• Various schemes including Cycle to Work, Season Ticket Loans and help with the cost of Eyesight testing. 
• Free parking 

The post is fixed for 3 years and is based in Egham, Surrey where the University is situated in a beautiful, leafy campus near to Windsor Great Park and within commuting distance from London. 

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Alex Dickson on alex.dickson@rhul.ac.uk. 

For queries on the application process the Human Resources Department can be contacted by email at: recruitment@rhul.ac.uk 

Please quote the reference: 1023-434

Closing Date: 23:59, 24 November 2023 

Interview Date: To Be Confirm

 We particularly welcome female applicants as they are under-represented at this level in the Department of Earth Sciences within Royal Holloway, University of London.

Further details: Job Description & Person Specification    

This position is not eligible for hybrid working.

Royal Holloway is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI), and encourages applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender, marital status, parental status, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or trans status or history. More information on our structures and initiatives around EDI, including information on staff diversity networks, can be found on our Equality and Diversity Intranet page.