Applications are invited for a Research Fellow position in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of St. Andrews to work on the NERC-funded project “The Deep Nitrogen cycle”. The overarching objective is to derive fundamental constraints on the partitioning of nitrogen under mantle-like pressure, temperature, and redox conditions with a focus on the formation and evolution of Earth’s atmosphere.

The successful candidate will take the responsibility of undertaking the project in collaboration with researchers at the Universities of Edinburgh, Cambridge, and Milan – but will be based at St Andrews. The PDRA will be responsible for (i) continuing the standardisation work for precise determinations of nitrogen abundances in silicates by Secondary ionisation mass spectrometry and electron microprobe (ii) performing partitioning experiments to constrain the equilibrium exchange coefficient for N/K using a piston cylinder (St Andrews) and multi-anvil press (Edinburgh), (iii) performing compressibility experiments using a diamond anvil cell at Cambridge and at synchrotron facilities. Due to the multidisciplinary nature of this project training will be provided where necessary. The PDRA will also be responsible for communicating results at international scientific meetings and publishing results in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Candidates must have a PhD in either petrology, experimental petrology/geochemistry, or related fields. Experience and adeptness in quantitative micro-analytical techniques and experimental petrology is strongly desirable. Candidates must be focused and ambitious, with a strong ability to work independently, and with initiative. The post is full-time, fixed-term for 36 months, starting 1st June 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter. Please see further particulars for a more detailed job description and details of how to apply.

For informal enquiries please email Dr. Sami Mikhail (sm342@st-andrews.ac.uk).  

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.

Please quote ref:  AR1878SB 

Closing Date:  28 February 2017

Further Particulars:  AR1878SB FPs.pdf

School of Geography & Geosciences (Earth and Environmental Sciences)
Salary: £32,004 - £34,956 per annum
Start: 1 July 2017 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed term for 3 years