Research Fellow in Geophysics

University of South Hampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university seeks a Research Fellow to develop resistivity models from marine data and interpret them using geological insights. The role involves collaboration with international partners and offers the chance to contribute to significant research on submarine volcanoes. Candidates should be nearing completion of a relevant PhD and have a strong publication record.

Qualifications

• Candidates working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD.
• Proven publication record required.

Responsibilities

• Develop resistivity models from marine CSEM data.
• Interpret models using geophysical and geological data.
• Participate in data acquisition at sea.

Skills

Research

Geophysics

Geology

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

We seek a Research Fellow with a proven publication record to develop resistivity models from marine controlled source electromagnetic (CSEM) data to be acquired in February-March 2026 and to interpret these models using other relevant geophysical and geological data.

The Research Fellow will join an international team in the project “Imaging the magma storage region and hydrothermal system of an active arc volcano”, funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council and the US National Science Foundation. The overall aim of this project is to determine the geometry and plumbing of the hydrothermal system of an active submarine arc volcano and its relationship with the underlying partial melt that supplies magmatic fluids and drives circulation.

Both partially molten rocks and hot hydrothermal fluids are anomalously conductive and can be imaged by CSEM. The project focuses on Brothers Volcano in the southwest Pacific, which provides an ideal target due to extensive geophysical and geological data, including results from two cruises in 2025. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to participate in data acquisition at sea.

The position is based in the School of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton’s Waterfront Campus, located at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. The research fellow will collaborate with project partners at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (USA), Geological and Nuclear Sciences (New Zealand), GEOMAR and the University of Bremen (Germany), ETH Zurich (Switzerland), and the University of Genoa (Italy).

We are committed to fostering a culture of inclusion, respect, and equality of opportunity. We select candidates based on merit and ability and aspire to thrive in a diverse workforce. We welcome applications from all interested candidates and those committed to creating an inclusive work environment.

Applications are open to candidates working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD. The title of Research Fellow will be awarded upon successful PhD completion. Prior to qualification, the position will be titled Senior Research Assistant.

We support equality, diversity, and inclusion and encourage applicants who share our mission of inclusivity.

Apply by 11:59 pm GMT on the closing date. For assistance, contact Recruitment at [phone] or [e-mail], quoting the job number.