About Position/Job
The University of Cambridge invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Sedimentary Geology and Palaeoecology to join a NERC-funded project investigating the early evolution of animals. The research focuses on the Ediacaran and Cambrian fossil records at newly discovered sites in southern Namibia. Led by Prof. Alex Liu, the project involves an international team including the University of Namibia and the Namibian Earth Science Museum. The successful candidate will conduct sedimentary facies analysis, palaeoecological reconstruction, and potentially geochemical analyses to explore depositional environments and ecosystem structures of early animal communities. This full-time, fixed-term position for two years, based in the Department of Earth Sciences, Cambridge, offers unique opportunities for fieldwork, interdisciplinary collaboration, and international research exposure.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Research Associate / Research Assistant
- Institution: University of Cambridge
- Department: Department of Earth Sciences
- Research field: Sedimentary Geology & Palaeoecology
- Location: Cambridge, UK
- Number of posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term
- Start Date (Anticipated): 01 April 2026
- Working Hours: 37 hours/week
- Salary Range: £33,002–£46,049 (dependent on qualifications)
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Sedimentary Geology
- Palaeoecology
- Stratigraphic Logging
- Ediacaran & Cambrian Fossil Records
- Geochemistry (desirable)
- Ichnology (desirable)
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD (or near completion) in Sedimentary Geology or Palaeoecology
- Experience in geological fieldwork and sedimentological/palaeoecological analysis
- Strong communication and research skills
Preferred Qualifications:
- Knowledge of geochemical techniques, sedimentary petrology, or ichnology
- Publication record commensurate with career stage
- Experience with international collaborative research
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct sedimentary facies and palaeoecological analyses
- Reconstruct Ediacaran ecosystem structures
- Participate in fieldwork in southern Namibia
- Collaborate with an international research team
- Prepare publications and present findings at conferences
- Engage in outreach and career development activities
Application Process
How to Apply:
All applications must be submitted online via the University of Cambridge recruitment system. Applicants must upload:
- CV
- Cover letter outlining motivation and experience
- Publication list
Required Documents:
- CV
- Cover letter
- Publications (maximum of two examples)
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 10 November 2025
- Deadline: 30 November 2025
- Interview Date: To be notified
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Cambridge
- Official Notification Link: click here
- Apply now: Application Portal
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