Research Associate (ref. 17404), University of Bristol

Contract:

Fixed Term Contract (three years)

Salary:

£33,884 - £38,140

Grade:

Level b in Pathway 2

Closing date for applications:

9:00am 10 Sep 2012

Anticipated start date:

01 Oct 2012

Applications are invited for a 36 month fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work with Dr Laura Robinson in the School of Earth Sciences, in the field of palaeoceanography and geochemistry.
You will be part of an ERC funded project to examine the interplay between ocean circulation and the carbon cycle during the abrupt changes in climate during the last 30,000 years. This project will combine cutting-edge field work on a major oceanographic cruise with geochemical analyses of sea-floor samples (including uranium-series geochronology and chemical tracers of the past) to acquire a unique view of the changes that have occurred in the equatorial Atlantic region. During the early stages of the project you will participate in a research cruise to collect deep-sea coral skeletons using the Remotely Operated Vehicle Isis; other sampling techniques will include sediment coring, water sampling and geophysical analyses. You will then use existing and novel geochemical analyses in the University of Bristol’s Isotope Group including clean lab chemistry, ICP-mass spectrometry and AMS. The analyses will be focussed on proxy development and on producing well-dated records of temperature, circulation and carbon cycling in this critical part of the ocean.
These paleoclimate reconstructions will be interpreted in the context of existing records and used to test hypotheses linking the role of Atlantic overturning circulation to global climate. You should have a first degree in Geology, Oceanography or relevant subject, and have completed a PhD in geochemistry and/or paleoclimate by the time of appointment. Experience in clean lab and ICP-MS techniques are essential, as well as proven experience of the successful planning and execution of research projects and their write up for publication at the highest level.

Download full details (17404fds.doc)

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Contact for informal enquiries:

Dr L Robinson (Laura.Robinson@bristol.ac.uk | 0117 331 5158)