Senior Research Associate in Volcano Petrology and Volcanic Knowledge Exchange

The role

This 36-month Senior Research Associate (SRA) position will join a large team of investigators working on the UKRI NERC-funded Large Grant ‘Ex-X’ Expecting the Unexpected. Understanding ‘dangerous’ volcanic transitions’. Ex-X seeks to deliver a step-change in how we understand and anticipate the dynamic drivers for the dangerous eruptive transitions associated with significant disruptions and fatalities.  The project will use the volcanoes of the Eastern Caribbean as a focal point and, with our partners, plans to demonstrate how this knowledge can improve monitoring and warning systems in the Eastern Caribbean.  

This SRA will use the eruptive rock record from multiple Eastern Caribbean volcanoes to understand eruptive changes, fluctuating conduit flow, and the spatial and temporal changes in subsurface conditions.  They will do this via the micro-textural and micro-petrological reconstruction of changing conditions using analytical methods (SEM, electron microprobe, XCT at Bristol) and petrological modelling. This will not only create significant new insights into changing volcanic behaviour but is important to other project areas. So with their data, the SRA should develop collaborations to parameterise and test new models and compare findings with geophysical datasets and historical eruptive records.

Ex-X has a large number of important partners, including several volcano observatories. Working with the Project Lead, the SRA will also be responsible for developing and maintaining effective partner relationships,  and planning  project knowledge exchange and engagement.   Around 20% of their time will be spent on this aspect averaged over the three years.

What will you be doing?

Contributing to the description and sampling of eruptive deposits in the field

Using textural analysis (including crystal and vesicle size and shape distributions) to understand changing eruptive conditions

Using microanalytical methods to reconstruct intensive parameters in the subsurface environment

Creating and maintaining an open access sample inventory as a project legacy

Assisting the PI with structuring and reporting on meetings and developing an impact strategy

Knowledge exchange and engagement, particularly ensuring effective relationships with project partners

You should apply if

You have a PhD-level qualification in a suitable area of volcanic petrology with field-based experience of the analysis of eruptive deposits or equivalent professional experience in the research area required.

You either have some experience of project management or a track record in some form of engagement

You have an enthusiasm to develop expertise in knowledge exchange and innovation

You thrive in a team working environment and have a proven capacity for excellent time management with evidence for skills in report and academic paper writing

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 36 months

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 17/07/2025

For informal queries, please contact: Jenni Barclay. J.Barclay@bristol.ac.uk

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