Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Physiology of Calcification in phytoplankton

European Geosciences Union e.V.; Oxford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A research-focused institution in Oxford seeks a Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Physiology of Calcification in phytoplankton. This role, funded for 18 months, involves investigating physiological and biochemical processes in marine carbon cycles. The successful candidate will hold or be nearing completion of a PhD and have experience in relevant monitoring techniques. Excellent communication skills and collaboration ability are crucial. Applications are encouraged from women and ethnic minority candidates, with a deadline of 18 January 2026.

Qualifications

• Must hold or be near completion of a relevant PhD/DPhil.
• Ability to lead original research programmes.
• Documented research track record with publications.

Responsibilities

• Investigate physiological and biochemical processes in phytoplankton.
• Collaborate with other researchers in a multi-disciplinary environment.
• Report to leading professors and contribute to marine carbon cycle research.

Skills

Physiological monitoring techniques

Optical microscopy

Electron microscopy

Communication skills

Collaboration

Education

PhD or PhD near completion

Tools

O2 electrode

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Physiology of Calcification in phytoplankton

• Biogeosciences (BG)
• Climate: Past, Present & Future (CL)
• Ocean Sciences (OS)

Type

Full time

Level

Experienced

Required education

PhD

18 January 2026

Posted

1 December 2025

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Physiology of Calcification in phytoplankton

Department of Earth Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford

The Department of Earth Sciences are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher to join our team investigating the physiological and biochemical processes underpinning calcification and photosynthesis in calcifying plankton. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research on cellular and community-level processes that shape marine carbon cycles. The post holder will be a part of the Oceanbug group which includes scientists that collaborate between the Department of Biology, Biochemistry, and others and will be reporting to Prof. Rosalind Rickaby and Prof. Dmitry Filatov.

This post is based in the Department of Earth Sciences and is funded for 18 months, with a possibility of extension contingent on funding.

About you

The successful candidate will hold or be close to the completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil together with relevant experience.

You will have the ability to lead and report an original research programme, as shown by a documented research track record, including timely publications and presentations at international conferences. You will have relevant experience in culture, physiological monitoring techniques and optical and electron microscopic approaches. Excellent communication skills including the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results, and represent the research group at meetings are key. The successful candidate will also demonstrate willingness and the ability to collaborate with other researchers in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Experience of enzyme kinetic assays and working with an O2 electrode as well as previous work with phytoplankton culture are desirable but not essential.

This is an 18-month fixed term post from 01 April 2026 with the possibility of extension. For full details of the role please see the job description.

The deadline for applications is 18 January 2026. Interviews will be provisionally held on w/c 02 February 2026.

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.