Senior Research Associate in Novel Isotopic Tracers of Continental Evolution

University of Bristol Law School; Bristol; On-site; GBP 43,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious academic institution is seeking a skilled researcher for a position focusing on advanced analytical methods in isotopic measurements. The role involves sample preparation, characterisation, and conducting Rb-Sr and Pb isotope analyses, essential to understanding crustal evolution. Candidates should have robust experience in mass-spectrometry techniques and a strong analytical background, with a contract lasting until December 31, 2026, offering a salary between £43,482 and £50,225 per annum.

Qualifications

• Strong background in inorganic isotope ratio mass-spectrometry.
• Experience with collision cell, multi-collector mass-spectrometry.
• Understanding of processes during continental growth.

Responsibilities

• Prepare K-feldspar grains and characterise them by electron micro-probe methods.
• Perform in situ Rb-Sr and Pb isotope ratio analysis.
• Benchmark procedures for inter-laboratory comparisons.

Skills

Analytical measurements

Inorganic isotope ratio mass-spectrometry

Collision cell, multi-collector mass-spectrometry

Sample introduction techniques

Tools

Inductively coupled mass-spectrometer

Electron micro-probe

Neoma collision cell multi-collector plasma mass-spectrometer

Job description

The role

The position involves exploiting some significant advances in analytical methods we have made in the Bristol Isotope Group lab using our novel collision-cell multi-collector, inductively coupled mass-spectrometer. In particular the job will combine in situ analyses of Rb-Sr and Pb isotope ratios in single mineral grains (dominantly K-feldspar). The project will also try to couple Sr and Ca isotope analyses from bulk separates of titanites. These measurements will be combined to test models of crustal evolution. An important additional aspect of the project will be fully benchmarking the techniques we have established for inter-laboratory comparison by analysing an appropriate range of standards. You will be part of the ERC funded Evolution of the Non uniformitarian Earth project and work within the Bristol Isotope Group.

What will you be doing?

The position dominantly involves careful work in our clean laboratory and mass-spectrometry suite. The post-holder will need to prepare K-feldspar grains and characterise them by electron micro-probe methods, before in situ Rb-Sr and Pb isotope ratio analysis. This work will be undertaken on a number of suites of samples across continental history. In tandem, titanites will be separated from associated whole rock samples and their radiogenic Sr and Ca isotopic compositions determined. The combined results will be used to test models of coupled mantle-crustal evolution. A key part to most of these analyses is the use of the collision-cell multi-collector plasma mass-spectrometer with mass filter (Proteus) which we have developed at Bristol. You will further comprehensively benchmark these procedures against a wide range of standards to facilitate inter-laboratory comparisons. Finally, there is scope for transferring some of the procedures to our new Neoma collision cell multi-collector plasma mass-spectrometer.

You should apply if

Applicants are encouraged who have an enthusiasm for making challenging analytical measurements and rigorously characterising such procedures. Given the limited duration of this position we seek candidates who already have a strong background in inorganic isotope ratio mass-spectrometry and in particular have significant experience of collision cell, multi-collector mass-spectrometry, both using solution and in situ sample introduction. As well as a strong analytical background, a good understanding of key processes during continental growth is needed.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2026

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: J/Pathway 2

Salary: £43,482 - £50,225 per annum

School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 25/09/2025

For informal queries, please contact Tim Elliott [e-mail] [e-mail]

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