Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Metamorphic Geochemistry

University of Oxford

Location: Earth Sciences, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3AN

Salary: Research Grade 7: Salary in range £39,424 - £43,984 per annum (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).

We are seeking to appoint Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Metamorphic Geochemistry to join an active and collaborative research group led by Associate Professor Palin in the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford. The group focuses on fluid–melt–rock interactions across a range of metamorphic and geodynamic settings, including Early Earth evolution, long-term changes in tectonics and magmatism, and the formation of critical metal-bearing systems. This role sits within the NERC-funded “NITRO-MET: Reactive Nitrogen Supply Driven by Orogenic Metamorphism” project, offering the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research exploring how nitrogen behaves in the continental crust and its wider implications for Earth’s habitability and geological evolution.

You will be responsible for delivering high-quality research as part of the NITRO-MET project, including field sampling in metamorphic terrains, laboratory-based chemical and petrological analyses, and advanced modelling of metamorphic phase equilibria. You will investigate nitrogen behaviour and isotopic variation during orogenesis, contributing to the development of geochemical models and linking these findings to broader tectonic and climatic processes. The role involves managing your own research activities and timelines, collaborating with project partners, and contributing to the development of new analytical techniques and workflows.

It is essential that you hold, or are close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in metamorphic geology or isotope geochemistry or a closely related field, with relevant research experience. You should have strong practical experience in fieldwork, mapping, and sample collection, alongside expertise in chemical and petrological analysis techniques such as XRF, SEM, or EMPA. Experience in petrological modelling using tools such as THERMOCALC, Perple_X, Theriak-Domino, or MageMin is important. You’ll need to demonstrate the ability to manage your own research and meet deadlines, along with excellent communication skills, including writing for publication and presenting research to a range of audiences. A collaborative mindset and the ability to contribute effectively within a multidisciplinary research team are essential for success in this role.

*Please note that ‘close to completion’ means that you must have submitted your PhD thesis at the time an offer is made.

The post-holder will be based at the Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, but will conduct fieldwork in British Columbia, Canada, to collect samples, and undertake several short visits to the NERC Ion Microprobe Facility, University of Edinburgh, to perform secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) analyses.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract for 36 months.

Only applications received before 12 midday on 8 May 2026 will be considered. Please quote vacancy reference 185943 on all correspondence.

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application.

Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.