Research Assistant/Associate (Fixed Term) - Petrology and Geochemistry

Research topic: Plume-ridge interaction: linking melt pathways in the mantle with surface volcanism and ecological marine "superhighways" in the Galápagos.

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in igneous petrology/geochemistry, to join a new NSF-NERC funded project. The project aims to develop a transformative understanding of how mantle plume-derived melts interact with the global mid-ocean ridge system, shape surface volcanism and associated ecosystems. The Galápagos Islands provide an archetypal setting for investigating these processes. By exploring plume-ridge interactions, the project will generate new insights into the formation of volcanic lineaments. These structures connect modern hotspots to adjacent spreading centres and in Galápagos act as ecological "superhighways" that facilitate the migration of endangered marine species.

The project involves an international team of petrologists, geophysicists and ecologists from the Universities of Cambridge (S. Gibson), Pen State (T. Mittal) and Berkeley (M. Richards), Scripps Institution of Oceanography (S. Constable) and the Charles Darwin Research Station in Galápagos.

The successful candidate will be based in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Cambridge and will work closely with Prof. Sally Gibson and all co-investigators in the research team. They will undertake petrological investigations and geochemical analyses, together with numerical models to place novel constraints on the delivery of deep-sourced plume melts to the global ridge system. An additional Postdoctoral Research Associate in geophysics has been appointed for the same project at Pen State, working on physical models of melt transport, that the candidate would interact with. 

Applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in petrology and geochemistry. Previous experience in petrology and geochemical analysis is required, and a knowledge of numerical modelling of mantle-derived melts is desirable. The research will include use of sample preparation laboratories and state-of-the-art analytical facilities in Cambridge (e.g. EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, QEMSCAN) and Edinburgh (SIMS). Samples exist in established collections and there will be an opportunity to participate in a research cruise off Galápagos.

The successful candidate will be highly motivated, have good communication skills and ideally a strong publication record (commensurate with their career stage). Attending and presenting results at international conferences will be supported and encouraged, as will involvement in outreach activities. The successful applicant will be mentored and supported in developing their career and research interests by the Principal Investigator and University of Cambridge Postdoc Academy.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 17 months in the first instance, based on a latest start date of 01 February 2026.

Salary ranges: Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049 (Grade 7). Appointment at the Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will initially be under-appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £34,610), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

Further information about the role can be found in the Further Particulars.

Enquiries can be sent to the Principal Investigator Sally Gibson (sally@esc.cam.ac.uk).

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter & publications list in the upload section. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, they will not be considered as part of your application.

The University actively supports equality, diversity & inclusion & encourages applications from all sections of society.

Advert information