About Position/Job
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Research Assistant/Associate in Petrology and Geochemistry to join the NSF-NERC funded project Plume-Ridge Interaction: Linking Melt Pathways in the Mantle with Surface Volcanism and Ecological Marine “Superhighways” in the Galápagos. Based in the Department of Earth Sciences under Prof. Sally Gibson, this 17-month fixed-term post (starting by 1 February 2026) investigates how mantle plume melts interact with mid-ocean ridges to shape volcanism and marine ecosystems. The project is highly interdisciplinary, involving collaborations with researchers from Pen State, Berkeley, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, and the Charles Darwin Research Station. The role includes petrological investigations, geochemical analyses, numerical modelling, access to cutting-edge facilities, and potential participation in a research cruise, providing an exceptional opportunity to advance scientific understanding of plume-ridge processes and ecological connectivity.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Assistant / Research Associate
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department: Department of Earth Sciences
- Research field: Petrology and Geochemistry
- Location: Cambridge, United Kingdom
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
- Start Date (Anticipated): February 2026
- Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
- Salary Range: £34,610 – £46,049 (depending on PhD status)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research area
- Igneous Petrology
- Geochemistry
- Numerical modelling of mantle melts
- Plume-ridge interaction
- Marine volcanic ecosystems
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD (or near completion) in petrology and geochemistry
- Experience in petrological and geochemical analyses
- Strong communication and collaborative skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of numerical modelling of mantle-derived melts
- Experience with EPMA, LA-ICP-MS, QEMSCAN, or SIMS
- Publication record commensurate with career stage
- Willingness to participate in research cruises and interdisciplinary collaboration
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct petrological and geochemical investigations of mantle-derived melts
- Contribute to numerical models of melt transport and ridge interaction
- Collaborate with international team members across multiple disciplines
- Present results at international conferences and engage in outreach
- Contribute to publications and career development activities
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applications must be submitted via the University of Cambridge recruitment portal. Quote reference LB47307 in your application.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Covering letter
- Publications list
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 18 September 2025
- Deadline: 19 October 2025
- Interview Date: To be confirmed
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Cambridge
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: click here
Learn about more Job opportunities: HigherJobz
