Research Assistant/Associate in Global Seismology (Fixed Term)

Are you passionate about unravelling the mysteries of the deep Earth?

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant/Associate (PDRA) to join our team in Global Seismology at the University of Cambridge. Collaborating (amongst others) with Prof. John Wheeler from the University of Liverpool and Dr Simon Hunt from the University of Manchester, the post-holder will delve into imaging the dynamics of the mantle with multi-disciplinary input.

Research Project: Our collaboration aims to integrate our disciplines to look at the role of pressure and stress variations on the behaviour of phase transitions in the mantle transition zone. Understanding the behaviour and being able to seismically map it could lead to new direct constraints on flow in the deep mantle.

The post-holder will be looking at the seismological aspect of the project while incorporating results from mineral physics and geodynamical models provided by collaboration within the Mantle Feedbacks team. This will involve making models for predicted topography on the mantle transition zone in a convecting mantle model, and testing with synthetic data to what degree we can observe the topography seismically. In conjunction, the researcher will look at actual data on the mantle transition zones (receiver functions and precursors) in regions where interactions with slabs and plumes are anticipated, especially where anomalous topography is observed.

The successful candidate must have (or be about to obtain), a Ph.D. in geophysics, seismology, or a closely related field. Applicants will have experience with seismological analyses and data interpretation, alongside experience with numerical modelling and programming. Excellent communication and collaboration skills are essential, alongside a strong publication record (commensurate with their career stage) and an ability to work effectively as part of a dedicated team.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 28 February 2027 in the first instance.

Earliest start date: The position offers a flexible starting date in 2024.

Salary ranges: Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 (Grade 7). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD, will initially be under-appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £32,982), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

For enquiries and further details on the project, please contact PI Sanne Cottaar at [email protected] .

Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested they will not be considered as part of your application.

Please quote reference LB40880 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Further information
Apply online