Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Mineral Physics

**Fixed term until 30 September 2025 (with the possibility for extension,
subject to availability of funding).**





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.





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’s
synchrotron experiments.





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.





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 also contribute ideas for new research projects and collaborate in
the preparation of scientific reports and journal articles and occasionally
present papers and posters.





**About you**





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.





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.





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.





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.





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





This post is fixed term until 30 September 2025, with the possibility for
extension, subject to funding.





The deadline for applications is **midday on Monday 16th October 2023**





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.