Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Modelling Cryosphere Change and Hydrochemistry

University of Oxford; Oxford; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on a project related to carbon dioxide release from sedimentary rocks. The role involves collaboration with a research team, focusing on modelling CO2 exchanges and contributing to fieldwork. Candidates should possess a relevant PhD/DPhil and have experience in geospatial analysis and chemical weathering processes. Excellent communication skills and a self-starter attitude are essential.

Qualifications

• Experience in modelling changes in glacial processes.
• Knowledge of major, trace element or isotopic proxies.

Responsibilities

• Focus on model approaches to quantifying CO2 exchanges.
• Provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group.
• Plan and manage fieldtrip and equipment logistics.

Skills

Modelling of permafrost processes

Geospatial analysis

Chemical weathering processes

Communication skills

Education

PhD/DPhil

Job description

This position involves working in a research team on the project "Accelerated carbon dioxide release from sedimentary rocks in a warming world" which is funded by the NERC Pushing the Frontiers scheme. The overall aim of the project is to generate the first robust quantification of the role of sedimentary rock weathering as a positive feedback on climate change, constraining its role in the long-term carbon cycle and over the coming century. This PDRA position will focus on model approaches to quantifying CO2 exchanges associated with chemical weathering associated with the warming cryosphere.

The PDRA will work alongside another PDRA who is focused on field and laboratory approaches to quantify oxidative weathering reactions in deglaciating and warming cryosphere environments. They will join a wider group of researchers and DPhil students working on complementary themes in the Earth Surface Geochemistry group. They will provide guidance to less experienced members of the research group, while also having responsibilities to plan and manage fieldtrip and equipment logistics. Alongside this project, the PDRA will have the opportunity to interact and develop collaborations with a wider range of academics working on biogeochemistry in the Department.

About you

You will hold, or be close to completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil, together with relevant experience.

You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes. You will have experience in either: modelling of permafrost processes and associated hydrological processes, modelling changes in glacial processes, and coupled hydrological processes or earth system modelling of terrestrial carbon cycle processes. As well as experience of large dataset collation and analysis, including geospatial analysis and knowledge of chemical weathering processes and their impact on the geochemical composition of the critical zone.

You will be a self-starter, be able to work independently and you must have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities. You will have excellent communication skills including a track record of contributing to publications and presentations.

Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project, collaborating in the development of research articles for publication, planning fieldwork and contributing to data collection in the field as well as knowledge of major, trace element or isotopic proxies to track chemical weathering and the chemistry of natural waters are desirable but not essential.

The deadline for applications is midday 11 June 2025 Interviews will be held 02 July 2025.

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.

Contact Person :

HR Team

Vacancy ID :

179433

Contact Phone :

Closing Date & Time :

11-Jun-2025 12:00

Pay Scale :

RESEARCH GRADE 7

Contact Email :

[e-mail]

Salary (£) :

£39,749 - £40,855