Research Associate

Research Associate – high precision geochronology

To make a leading contribution to understanding the formation and impact of Large Igneous Provinces, and/or the formation of large intrusive bodies and associated magmatic processes, working closely with Professor Darren Mark and the Geochronology and Geochemistry Research Group (G2RG) at SUERC.

They should have demonstrated expertise in zircon U–Pb geochronology using both LA-ICP-MS and CA-ID-TIMS approaches, with extensive hands-on experience of zircon separation, chemical abrasion, dissolution, and ion-exchange chemistry undertaken in ultra-clean laboratory environments. The candidate should be proficient in generating and interpreting high-quality U–Pb data using a range of mass spectrometric platforms, including laser ablation systems coupled to Neoma MC-ICPMS, Element 2 HR-ICPMS, and iCAP MTX (TQ) ICPMS.

The successful candidate will be given access to state-of-the-art noble gas mass spectrometers for Ar/Ar geochronology, alongside laser ablation and CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb facilities, enabling the delivery of internationally leading science with clear impact. They will be expected to lead and contribute to the formulation and submission of high-quality research publications and competitive research proposals, and, as opportunities arise, to help manage, coordinate, and direct complex and challenging research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and research group strategy.
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of SUERC and The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
• Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
• Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
• Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
• Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across SUERC and The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow as well as the wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).
• Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of SUERC.
• Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.
• Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. support of PhD research) and associated admin as assigned by the Principal Investigator.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the SUERC Director.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy, World Changers Together.

Qualifications

• Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.
• Experience working in ultra-clean chemistry labs for preparation of radiogenic isotopes, TIMS and ICP-MS.
• Knowledge and experience of project-specific technical models (e.g., Bayesian modelling), equipment or techniques including high-precision CA-ID-TIMS and LA-ICPMS U-Pb geochronology
• Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Experience

Essential:

• Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality publications/conferences.
• Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.
• Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.
• Experience in undertaking independent research.
• Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.
• Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.