Post-Doctoral Research Associate: Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry for Antarctic Ice Cores (Fixed Term)

The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Applications are invited for a post-doctoral research associate to join the group of Professor Chiara Giorio at the Department of Chemistry on a research project aimed at using oxidation products of isoprene and monoterpenes for paleoclimate reconstruction.

The candidate will work across two projects, funded by NERC and Leverhulme Trust, which involve the quantification of organic compounds in ice cores from different locations (mountain glaciers, Greenland and Antarctica) using a HPLC coupled to a Sciex 5500+ QTRAP mass spectrometer. The project specifically focuses on the oxidation products of isoprene and monoterpenes (e.g., alpha- and beta-pinene). The work includes quantification of target analytes in a range of ice cores (using an already developed analytical method), data analysis and interpretation to reconstruct information on past climate drivers such as land use change and atmospheric oxidizing capacity.

Applicants should have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant area. Experience in mass spectrometry and related data analysis is essential, experience with triple-quadrupoles or QTRAP mass analyser is an advantage, as would additional experience/knowledge in working in cleanroom facilities. Demonstrated research experience, excellent communication skills, critical thinking, trouble-shooting attitude, and openness to collaborating with internal and external partners is desirable.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join a multidisciplinary team working on atmospheric chemistry and ice core science. The successful applicant will be expected to:

• Interact with an atmospheric modeler to isolate a short-list of promising oxidation products to be searched for in ice cores from different locations (including Antarctica);
• Contribute to data analysis to extract atmospheric chemistry information from organic compounds determined in ice cores;
• Provide reports (written and oral) for project partners and funders;
• Lead and contribute to scientific publications, and present results at international conferences;
• Participate to group meetings, internal thematic meetings, and external project meetings.

The successful applicant may also have the opportunity to engage in:

• Teaching and supervising final year or Masters projects;
• Overseeing other research personnel;
• Provide orientation to new lab members;
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Anticipated Start Date: as soon as possible after recruitment process is completed (e.g., April/May 2026) 

We welcome applications from individuals who wish to be considered for part-time working or other flexible working arrangements.

We particularly welcome applications from women and /or candidates from a BME background for this vacancy as they are currently under-represented at this level in our department.

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

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and include a publications list in the upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application.

Inquiries about this post should be addressed to Professor Chiara Giorio cg525@cam.ac.uk

Please quote reference MA49150 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The Department holds an Athena SWAN silver award for women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine.

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

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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