Phytoplankton Isotope Lab Research Associate

University of Bristol; West of England; Sur place; GBP 40 000 - 50 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

University of Bristol invites applications for a fixed-term full-time Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in organic geochemistry, starting around November 2026 for 17-19 months. You will work in the Organic Geochemistry Unit within the School of Earth Sciences and contribute to advancing knowledge on carbon uptake during photosynthesis in phytoplankton.

The role involves designing continuous culturing experiments, lipid extraction/analysis, and presenting results at conferences and

Qualifications

• A good honours degree (or equivalent) in PhD in Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, Geography, or relevant subject
• A PhD in Chemistry, Organic Geochemistry, Earth Sciences, Geomicrobiology, Biology, or related disciplines
• The ability to pro-actively and creatively implement wet chemistry and instrumental solutions to complex problems
• Relevant experience of designing and implementing laboratory experiments, preferably analysing the lipid content in phytoplankton
• Experience with environmental isotopes
• Evidence of effective science communication through publications of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Evidence of effective science communication through (inter)national conference presentations
• Experience of liaison with (external) collaborators and organisations
• Evidence for involvement in outreach activities
• Appointment at the Senior Research Associate level will require previous experience in research and (under)graduate supervision at PDRA level or equivalent industry-level, as well as experience in leading independent project management

Responsabilités

• Design and conduct continuous culturing experiments using a chemostat bioreactor
• Extract and analyse phytoplankton lipids using GC-FID, GC-MS, GC-C-IRMS, and HPLC-MS
• Identify relationships between environmental conditions and stable carbon fractionation in phytoplankton lipids
• Communicate findings via conference presentations and peer‑reviewed publications
• Explore a wide range of organic geochemistry and biosynthesis questions and collaborate with local and international partners

Connaissances

Wet chemistry

Instrumental analysis

Lab experiment design

Science communication

Collaborations

Formation

PhD in Chemistry or related

Honours degree in relevant subject

Outils

GC-FID

GC-MS

GC-C-IRMS

HPLC-MS

Description du poste

University of Bristol invites applications for a fixed-term full-time Research Associate or Senior Research Associate in organic geochemistry, starting around November 2026 for 17-19 months. You will work in the Organic Geochemistry Unit within the School of Earth Sciences and contribute to advancing knowledge on carbon uptake during photosynthesis in phytoplankton.

The role involves designing continuous culturing experiments, lipid extraction/analysis, and presenting results at conferences and