Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy

University of Bristol; West of England; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading higher education institution in the UK seeks a Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy. This role involves extensive fieldwork in the Eastern Caribbean and contributes to research integrating volcanology with historical and archaeological records. Ideal candidates should hold a PhD in volcanology, possess relevant field experience, and exhibit strong academic writing skills. The position is funded until January 2029 with full-time engagement required.

Qualifications

• A PhD in a suitable area of volcanology is desirable.
• Field experience and knowledge of petrological and textural reconstruction of eruptive histories.
• Demonstrated skills in report and academic paper writing.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork in the Eastern Caribbean, sampling and correlating eruptive deposits.
• Use textural analysis and microanalytical methods to reconstruct subsurface changes.
• Analyze archival records correlating eruptions with archaeological findings.
• Integrate eruptive histories with societal impacts.
• Disseminate knowledge via academic and non-academic channels.

Job description

Overview

Senior Research Associate in Volcanic Petrology and Stratigraphy – University of Bristol. This 36-month position is part of the Leverhulme-funded project Volcanic Histories, led by the University of Bristol in collaboration with the Universities of Bristol, Oxford, Plymouth and the West Indies. The project aims to understand the relationship between volcanic eruptions and societal disruption by integrating volcanology, history, archaeology and disaster science. The post-doctoral role will be responsible for field-based examination of the stratigraphic record of eruptive deposits, and the identification of key samples for petrology and textural analysis to detect drivers of rapid changes during or between eruptive episodes. You will collaborate with the wider team to contextualise eruptions within the historical record and relate them to the archaeological record of pre-Columbian settlements on these islands.

What will you be doing?

• Several periods of fieldwork (~2-3 weeks) in the Eastern Caribbean, sampling, describing and correlating eruptive deposits within a small team.
• Using textural analysis and microanalytical methods to reconstruct changing parameters in the subsurface environment.
• Contributing to the analysis and interpretation of archival records of historical eruptions in the Eastern Caribbean and correlating eruptions with the archaeological record.
• Integrating eruptive histories with their societal impacts in the context of broader changes.
• Disseminating knowledge via academic and non-academic channels.

You should apply if

• A PhD in a suitable area of volcanology is desirable, with field experience and knowledge of petrological and textural reconstruction of eruptive histories.
• You thrive in a team environment with strong time management and demonstrated skills in report and academic paper writing.
• You can be based at the University of Bristol and be willing to travel for fieldwork in the Eastern Caribbean.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended, with fixed funding until 05/01/2029

We would like the post holder to begin in or close to January 2026.

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: J/Pathway 2

School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 15/10/2025

Shortlisting is anticipated to take place on 24 October 2025

Interviews are anticipated to take place on 26 November 2025

For informal queries, please contact: Jenni Barclay ([e-mail])

Equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Science

Industries

• Higher Education