Research Associate in Experimental Petrology

The experimental petrology group in the School of Earth Sciences at the University of Bristol is searching for a postdoctoral research associate (PDRA) to participate in a NERC funded project called “Deep Water: hydrous silicate melts and the transition zone water filter”.

The objective of this project is to determine the composition and thermophysical properties of model hydrous silicate melts in simplified chemical systems in order to provide fundamental data for understanding their chemical and dynamical behavior in the deep upper mantle, transition zone and upper lower mantle.

The PDRA will carry out a series of multi-anvil and diamond anvil cell experiments to determine melting phase relations and melt compositions in simple hydrous silicate systems. Experiments will be analysed using a range of electron microbeam techniques (SEM; FEG-EPMA; FIB) for phase identification, melt composition and melt-solid wetting properties.

The project also involves, in conjunction with a second PDRA already in post, novel experiments to measure melt density using in-situ synchrotron techniques and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations to calculate melt physical properties.

The successful candidate will be based at the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol, but will be expected to travel regularly to the Geophysical Laboratory, Carnegie Institution of Washington to perform the multi-anvil portion of the project. We are seeking a candidate with a proven background in experimental petrology, a working knowledge of microbeam techniques and a track record of publishing research.

The closing date for all applications is 23:59 on Sunday 13^th May 2018.

For informal enquiries about the role and the School of Earth Science, please contact Dr Oliver Lord: Email: Oliver.Lord@bristol.ac.uk

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture.  We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.