Research Associate in Volcanology

An exciting opportunity exists for a post-doctoral researcher to work on a UKRI funded project entitled “Flow and fragmentation of melts and magmas: developing a unified view through experimental, numerical and field investigations”. You will be working and based within Dr Jones’ research group at Lancaster University.

You will contribute to the project by conducting textural and petrographic studies on mafic volcanoes. Lab-based analysis of pyroclast textures will be performed (e.g., shape, density, bubble and microlite number density) and these data will be used in models to ascertain magma decompression rates. Please refer to the personal specification for a full list of the essential and desirable criteria. Candidates not matching the desirable criteria are still encouraged to apply as there is some flexibility in this role to suit the candidate’s skills and research interests. Through the UKRI FLF project you will be part of a large international team, including researchers from Canada and Spain and there will be plenty of opportunities for training and career development. 

The Geophysical Fluid Dynamics (GFD) Laboratory in the Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a world-class facility for research into a wide range of topics covering volcanology and planetary science. The lab is directed by Dr Jones and current research topics include pyroclastic density currents, planetary volcanism, magma fragmentation and magma rheology. It has a large equipment base for scaled analogue experiments (e.g., high-speed cameras, fluidization rigs, fluid tanks), rheometry (e.g., extensional, powder and rotational rheometers) and particle size, shape, and density characterization. You will also benefit from being part of the wider volcanology research group comprising numerous faculty, post-doctoral researchers, and graduate students. 

LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing, and decolonising agendas.

Expected start dates are within the period August to December 2025, however there is some flexibility. Based on appointment grade and associated funding available, the post may be offered for an initial period of approximately 1 year. During this time Dr Jones will work with the successful applicant to secure further funding. 

Informal inquiries may be directed to Dr. Thomas Jones: thomas.jones@lancaster.ac.uk

Further Details:
Job Description
Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

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