Research Technician in Isotope Biogeochemistry

The Bristol Isotope Group in the School of Earth Sciences is inviting applications for a research technician to work on several cutting-edge projects, funded by the European Research Council and Research Councils UK, investigating silicon cycling in the North Atlantic and Arctic regions, assisting in the chemical preparation and analysis of samples and supporting related fieldwork.

Silicon is a key nutrient in the marine system, essential for the growth of many organisms that contribute to the uptake of organic carbon in the oceans. The silicon isotopic composition of biological silica and natural waters reveals important information about the processes involved in the cycling of the nutrient between different reservoirs and phases. These projects will specifically focus on how the cycling of silicon and its isotopes is impacted by changing environmental conditions in climatically sensitive high-latitude regions, critical for the cycling of carbon and other nutrients.

The technician role in these projects will: i) carry out new stable silicon isotope analyses of freshwaters, seawater and biogenic opal collected from the North Atlantic and Arctic, including sample preparation under clean laboratory conditions and sample analysis by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry; ii) carry out data reduction, processing, and quality control; iii) carry out sample and data archiving; iv) assist with field campaign planning and logistics, and basic website maintenance; iv) supervise masters level students and oversee health and safety procedures in the laboratories.
You will have a degree in a relevant geological science (or related subject), and will have experience in a range of isotope geochemistry methods, including plasma mass spectrometry, and a background in specialist chemistry and laboratory skills. We are looking for candidates who have a good working knowledge of oceanography and biogeochemistry, good organisational and planning skills, and strong problem solving abilities.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Katharine Hendry (K.Hendry@bristol.ac.uk)