Laboratory Technician in Geochemistry

Economicsnetwork; ST Andrews; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of St Andrews is seeking an analytical geochemist for a research project focused on quantifying biomass burial changes over geological time. The candidate will work within a dynamic research team and contribute to understanding Earth's environmental changes through analytical studies.

Benefits

34 days annual leave plus public holidays

Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme

Hybrid working environment

Staff discount scheme

Free parking and subsidized local transport

Subsidized sports membership

Wellbeing initiatives and health support

Qualifications

• Experience in analytical techniques relevant to geochemistry.
• Ability to collaborate on multidisciplinary research projects.
• Strong communication skills for presenting research findings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct research on biomass burial and nitrogen in crustal melting.
• Collaborate with the PAStA research group on the NERC-funded project.
• Engage in data analysis and interpretation related to geological studies.

Skills

Analytical skills

Research skills

Geochemistry

Education

PhD in geochemistry or related field

Job description

The successful candidate will be work as an analytical geochemist and join the Petrology at St Andrews (PAStA) research group within the Planets and Life research theme and work on our NERC-funded project “Quantifying changes in biomass burial over geological time”. The project will study several migmatite complexes to determine what happens to sedimentary-hosted nitrogen when the crust melts. The big-picture purpose of this work is to enable a quantitative assessment for how plate tectonics and changes in biomass burial have co-contributed to shaping Earth’s present-day environmental conditions, with the bolder aim of charting the co-evolution of Earth’s atmosphere, biosphere, and geosphere. The position is based in the School of Earth & Environmental Sciences at the University of St Andrews, which hosts 20 permanent academic faculty, a cohort of roughly 20 postdoctoral scholars, 35 PhD students and 7 administrative and technical support staff. Research topics in the School span the formation of terrestrial planets to the origin and evolution of life, modern and future climate change, and the exploration of sustainable resources.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy, a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters

Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Sami Mikhail, email: [e-mail], Tel: [phone].

Applications are particularly welcome from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in professional posts at the University.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience and form a central pillar of the University Strategy. We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, Race Charters). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ Disabled and Neurodiverse staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities or Neurodiversity Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network. Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on [e-mail].

Closing Date: 8^th August 2025

Interview Date: 10^th September 2025

We encourage applicants to apply online via the above 'Apply' button however if you are unable to do this, please call [phone] for an application pack.

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).

£31,637 to £37,174 per annum