Research Fellow: Project Earthstone

Cyber Security Academy Southampton; Southampton; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Southampton seeks a Research Fellow to interrogate geochemical data from enhanced weathering trials on croplands in Brazil. You will apply statistical analyses and method development to quantify CO2 removal and to understand carbon and metal fluxes in plant–soil systems.

The role is based in the School of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton’s Waterfront Campus and is funded from 01/10/2026 to 31/12/2027. Informal enquiries: Prof. Rachael James.

Qualifications

• Experience interrogating geochemical datasets and performing statistical analyses.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Good self-management and time-management abilities.

Responsibilities

• Interrogate geochemical data from EW field trials on croplands in Brazil.
• Develop and apply methods to quantify CO2 removal and carbon/metal flux mechanisms.
• Communicate findings clearly within the Project Earthstone team and to stakeholders.

Skills

Geochemical data analysis

Statistical analysis

Data interrogation

Job description

It is now clear that the active removal of atmospheric CO2 is essential if we are to limit the increase in global average temperature to the 1.5 °C target set by the Paris Agreement. Enhanced Weathering (EW) is a geoengineering strategy that can help accelerate CO2 sequestration by amending soils with crushed reactive rocks to increase the rate of weathering. The process also releases nutrients that can help fertilize crop growth and protect against crop pathogens, potentially lowering fertilizer and pesticide usage.

We seek a Research Fellow to join us to interrogate data collected in EW field trials being conducted on croplands in Brazil. The Research Fellow will utilise geochemical data to add scientific and commercial value to the trials, for example through statistical analysis and method development for quantifying CO2 removal and determining mechanisms that control carbon and metal fluxes through the plant and soil system. You will work as a member of the Project Earthstone team and should have considerable experience in interrogating geochemical datasets and statistical analysis. Well-developed self and time-management skills and the ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing are essential.

The position is based in the School of Ocean and Earth Science, which is located at the University of Southampton’s Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton.

The post is available from 01/10/2026 and is funded through to 31/12/2027.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Prof. Rachael James ([e-mail]).

• Job Description and Person Specification

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