Postdoctoral Research Assistant in The Security of Carbon Dioxide Drawdown During Enhanced Rock Weathering

The main responsibility of this PDRA is to assess the potential for carbonate mineral formation downstream from the range of UK enhanced rock weathering demonstrator sites where crushed basalt is being applied. The PDRA will use pH stat experiments with calcite seeds to assess the threshold of elevated alkalinity at which calcite precipitation occurs in filtered porewaters from our Demonstrator field sites (treated and control plots/catchments), and synthetic solutions with ionic compositions constructed to mimic the envelope of chemistries of UK groundwaters and UK lowland river chemistry. Ultimately, these experiments will be used to parameterise calcite precipitation rate equations and empirical rate constants to inform catchment-scale modelling of ERW practices and GGR on UK lands.

 

They will also have the opportunity to be part of a consortium project (ERW-GGR) which is itself a component of the UKRI funded Demonstrator phase of greenhouse gas removal techniques assessing sustainable routes for large-scale removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. As well as interact with others in this programme within the duration of the post, and the results of the PDRA research will feed directly into the broader goals of this programme to assess the suitability of various approaches to GGR.

 

 

You will hold or be close to a PhD in Aqueous/Environmental/Ocean geochemistry or a related discipline at the time of starting the post. You will have experience in laboratory wet (geo)chemistry including Ph stat experiments and assessment of mineral, ideally but not restricted to calcium carbonate, precipitation rates, analytical geochemistry and modelling of the geochemistry of fluids and rivers e.g. PHREEQC.

 

You will be able to work independently and you must have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities. You will have excellent communication skills including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings as well as the ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation.

 

Knowledge of river and groundwater chemistry and their controls, the geological carbon cycle and controls on silicate weathering are also desirable but not essential.

 

The deadline for applications is midday 12 June 2025. Interviews will be held on 23 June 2025.

 

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

 

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.

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