Research Fellow in Geochemistry

Location: National Oceanography Centre Southampton

Full Time Fixed Term until 30/04/2026

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Some of the largest seafloor massive sulfide (SMS) deposits occur on segments of the mid-ocean ridge that have very low amounts of volcanic activity. At these locations, ultramafic rocks are exhumed by long-lived faulting and vent fluids erupt forming SMS deposits that host high concentrations of metals and elements required to support green technologies. The processes that control the chemical composition of ultramafic-hosted SMS deposits are however poorly understood.

We seek a Research Fellow to join us to collect and analyse high- and low-temperature hydrothermal fluids from the Semyenov vent field on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge and determine the nature of the sub-seafloor reaction zone and the fluid control on the formation and composition of the seafloor SMS deposits. You will also conduct laboratory experiments to determine rates of fluid-sulfide reactions under differing environmental conditions. Applicants should have considerable experience in the collection and chemical analysis of fluids and rocks, well-developed self and time-management skills and the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, is essential. The Research Fellow will be integral to the delivery of the NERC-funded research project ULTRA (Ultramafic-hosted mineral resource assessment, see https://project-ultra.org/) and will work in close collaboration with other researchers leading geological, geophysical and microbiological work packages.

The position is based in the School of Ocean and Earth Science, which is located at the University of Southampton’s Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. Funding is available until 30/04/2026 and the successful applicant would need to be in post in Southampton by June 2023 at the latest.  

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Rachael James (R.H.James@soton.ac.uk) or Prof. Steve Roberts (Steve.Roberts@noc.soton.ac.uk). Please apply online at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk.

You should submit your completed online application form, by clicking the 'Apply' button.

The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above.

If you need any assistance, please call Michelle Jose (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2750, or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk. Please quote reference 2089322HN on all correspondence. 

Further details:

We believe equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant and successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial, educational and social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value the diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.

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