Research Fellow in Geosolutions: Sub-critical Stress Corrosion Cracking for the Energy Transition

University of Leeds; Leeds; Hybrid; GBP 39,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research-intensive university in Leeds is seeking a Research Fellow in Geosolutions to conduct fundamental research into energy transition solutions. You will work on advanced geological projects, focusing on fluid-rock reactions and diagenesis. The ideal candidate will possess a PhD in Geology and have experience in geological research. This role offers flexibility and various employee benefits, including extended holidays and a generous pension scheme.

Benefits

26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays

Generous pension scheme with 14.5% employer contribution

Discounted gym membership

Access to on-site childcare

Personal Development courses

Qualifications

• Experience of geological field work in deformed rocks.
• Experience conducting laboratory rock deformation experiments.
• Strong commitment to publishing scientific results.

Responsibilities

• Sample fractured limestones and sandstones from the Pennines, UK.
• Conduct laboratory experiments to propagate sub-critical fractures.
• Build new models of stress corrosion cracking under diagenetic conditions.

Skills

Fluid-rock reaction (diagenesis)

Rock mechanics

Structural geology

Education

PhD in Geology or Geophysics

Job description

Research Fellow in Geosolutions Leeds: Sub-critical Stress Corrosion Cracking for the Energy Transition
Salary: Grade 7 (£39,355 – £46,735 p.a. depending on experience)

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background in fluid-rock reaction (diagenesis), rock mechanics and/or structural geology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities, and conduct fundamental research to accelerate the Energy Transition?

The role is based at Geosolutions Leeds, an exciting new strategic investment by the University of Leeds as part of its Climate Plan, supporting the refocusing of research. Geosolutions Leeds brings together world-leading expertise in geology, engineering and social science to deliver an integrated systems approach to energy geoscience that will meet Net Zero goals.

You will work with Professors Dave Healy and Sandra Piazolo at Leeds, and collaborate with Professor Cathy Hollis (University of Manchester), to couple understanding of the diagenetic evolution of sedimentary rocks with opening-mode fracture development. This project is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and this role is one of two PDRA positions funded through the project.

In this role, you will sample fractured limestones and sandstones from the Pennines, UK. You will conduct laboratory experiments to propagate sub-critical fractures in a newly commissioned double torsion apparatus under controlled conditions, and build new models of stress corrosion cracking under diagenetic conditions, quantified by the other team member.

You will have a PhD in Geology or Geophysics, and have experience of geological field work in deformed rocks, laboratory rock deformation experiments, and a strong commitment to publishing scientific results.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

· 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

· Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

· Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

· Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

· Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

If you are looking for a role that will combine quantitative geoscience with finding solutions to the challenges of the Energy Transition, apply today.