Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Experimental Petrology

 

The postholders will perform research on the project entitled VulcansFluids: The behaviour of halogens and sulfur in high temperature natural processes. Research will be predominantly in the experimental petrology laboratory under the direction of Prof Bernard Wood  https://www.earth.ox.ac.uk/people/bernie-wood/. The experimental group is large and active and in addition to research duties the post holder will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, including postdocs, research assistants, technicians, and PhD and project students.

 

The post holder will be responsible for managing their own academic research and administrative activities, involving small scale project management to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines.

They will adapt existing and develop new scientific techniques and experimental protocols and test hypotheses and analyse scientific data from a variety of sources, reviewing and refining working hypotheses as appropriate,

They will use experimental equipment including 1 atmosphere furnaces with controlled gas-mixing and piston-cylinder apparatus and use analytical equipment including electron microprobe and laser ablation ICP-MS.

 

The successful candidate will hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD/DPhil together with relevant experience, and possess sufficient knowledge of experimental and analytical methods to be able to perform high-level research on the VulcansFluids project with the minimum of supervision.

You will be able to manage your own academic research and have previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations and contributing ideas for new research projects and research income generation. You must also have excellent communication skills including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings.

Experience of independently managing a research project relevant or related to the VulcansFluids project and experience in experiment design or modification would be desirable.

 

For further details of the role please see the job description.

 

The post is available immediately and initial appointment will be until 31 March 2028 with the possibility of an extension.

 

The deadline for applications is midday on 31 July 2026.

 

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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