Technical Specialist in Aqueous Geochemistry

University of Plymouth; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Development opportunities

Enhanced family leave

Flexible working

Retailer discounts

On-site nursery

Job summary

University of Plymouth seeks a Technical Specialist in Aqueous Geochemistry to investigate groundwater interactions with ground source energy systems. The role is based at the Plymouth campus, working 14.8 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 18 months as part of the MRMOLES project.

You will lead analytical aspects, collect water/solid samples, and develop laboratory experiments while collaborating with the research team to deliver timely, high-quality data and outputs for wider

Qualifications

• PhD in aqueous geochemistry or demonstrable expertise at that level.
• Collaborative team player with ability to deliver technical objectives and outputs on time.
• Topic-specific training on field data collection and sampling will be provided.

Responsibilities

• Lead experimental and analytical studies of mineral and biofilm formation for groundwater interactions with ground source energy systems.
• Conduct field visits to UK sites and develop laboratory experiments as part of the MRMOLES project.
• Ensure data quality and deliver high-quality data on time, contributing to scientific outputs.

Skills

Geochemistry expertise

Data analysis

Education

PhD in aqueous geochemistry

Job description

Technical Specialist in Aqueous Geochemistry

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Basis PT Temporary Parttime All Year

Job details

Salary £39,906 - £46,049 pro rata per annum - Grade 7 Contractual hours 14.8 Basis PT Temporary Parttime All Year Interview date Week commencing Monday 30 November 2026 Job category/type Professional/Support Services Date posted 25/08/2026 Job reference B1369 Attachments B1369 Job Description.pdf

Description

Join us at the University of Plymouth in uncovering how the subsurface can help power a low‑carbon future. We’re seeking an experienced technical specialist with expertise in geochemistry to investigate groundwater interactions with ground source energy systems.

About the role

You will be working on the EPSRC project ‘Mitigating Risks of Mineralisation and biofilms in Open Loop thermal Energy Systems (MRMOLES).

You will be based at the University of Plymouth, developing new approaches to experimental and analytical studies of mineral and biofilm formation. The project will involve field visits to UK sites, developing laboratory experiments, leading analytical aspects of the project and ensuring data quality. The role will also enable you to contribute to scientific outputs and engage with the wider scientific community.

The role will require you to collect experimental data and water/solid phase samples, conduct analysis using a range of instruments and deliver high quality data on time. You will work collaboratively and productively within the research team, University and wider community.

This is a part‑time position working 14.8 hours per week on a fixed‑term basis for 18 months due to funding.

For more information on School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Matt Bailey: by email at [e-mail]

What we’re looking for

You will have completed a PhD in aqueous geochemistry or have demonstrable expertise at that level, be confident working in a collaborative team environment and delivering technical objectives and outputs on time and to a high standard. We will provide topic specific training on field data collection and sampling.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

You will be joining a small team at the start of this exciting new project, joining a welcoming and collegiate School by the seaside! Your permanent base will be in Plymouth at our campus laboratories, the role is two days per week, however this can be managed in a way that works with your other commitments. As a guide, we'd expect on‑campus attendance for a minimum of one day per week, on average, with flexibility to work elsewhere for the remaining contracted hours.

The School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.

Our Offer

We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:

• Generous annual leave: 35* Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part‑time) plus Bank Holidays* & Closure Days*
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On‑site nursery

*Pro rata if part‑time/fixed term contract

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

Additional Information

The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages