Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Mineral Physics

<div xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"> <p></p><div><strong>Fixed term until 30 September 2025 (with the possibility for extension, subject to availability of funding).</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The Department of Earth Sciences seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) to work as part of the ERC funded DEEP-MAPS project. The post holder will be responsible for carrying out experimental research on lower mantle phase transitions employing optical spectroscopy in combination with laser-heated diamond-anvil cells (DACs), as well as participate in synchrotron-based x-ray diffraction experiments.&#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The post holder will focus on Brillouin Spectroscopy measurements on mantle minerals in the laser-heated diamond-anvil cell using a new VIPA spectrometer, with the aim to study lower mantle phase transitions and quantify their seismic signature. The post holder will also take active part in the group&#8217;s synchrotron experiments. &#160;</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The post holder will further provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, in particular the PhD students within DEEP-MAPS and Master students.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>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.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>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.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>They will also contribute ideas for new research projects and collaborate in the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally present papers and posters.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div><strong>About you</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will hold, or be close to completion, of a relevant PhD/DPhil together and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. You will have relevant experience in experimental high-pressure and/or high-temperature research.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will be able to manage you own academic research and have previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations and contributing ideas for new research projects and research income generation.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>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.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Knowledge of diamond-anvil cell experiments would be desirable, along with experience of optical spectroscopy (ideally Brillouin), and laser- or resistive-heating and/or synchrotron work.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>For further details of the role please see the job description.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>This post is fixed term until 30 September 2025, with the possibility for extension, subject to funding.</div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>The deadline for applications is <strong>midday on Monday 16th October 2023</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. <strong>Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.</strong></div><br> <div>&#160;</div><br> <div>Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.</div> </div>