Post Doctoral Research Assistant (Meteoritics)

Purpose and Main Duties

Within the department of Earth and Planetary Sciences you will be required to work on improving the understanding of terrestrial planet formation.

You must have experience of appropriate analytical techniques and geochemical modeling, preferably with a background in the study of meteoritic material. You will be required to undertake analytical work (EMPA, Laser ICP-MS) and geochemical modeling on ureilite meteorites with a view to understanding how planets formed and differentiated in the early solar system. Ideally you will have a track record of publications in international peer-reviewed journals with the ability to be the lead author of the resulting scientific publications.

Applicants must have a PhD in Petrology or Geochemistry, and have experience in the analysis of meteorites or similar material.

About the Department

You will be based within the Centre for Planetary Sciences at UCL/Birkbeck (http://www.ucl.ac.uk/cps/). Alongside other Post Doctoral Research Assistants who are currently involved in a wide range of activities, including Lunar and Martian science, studies of Outer Planet Satellites, and various aspects of Astrobiology. The Centre therefore provides a rich environment to pursue planetary science research, and the successful applicant will become a valuable part of this community.

The project is funded by The Leverhulme Trust.

For further information on the Earth and Planetary Sciences department please visit: http://www.bbk.ac.uk/geology/

Further Information

Salary: £31,331 per annum plus the London Allowance of £2,976 per annum

Closing date for all completed applications is Monday 3 June 2013 (midnight)

Interview date: TBC

This role is full time and fixed term for three years. The appointment is subject to a six month probationary period. Birkbeck also provides a generous defined benefit pension scheme, 31 days paid leave, flexible working arrangements and other great benefits.

Birkbeck is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, age, disability, religious belief and sexual orientation.