Research Assistant / Associate in Planetary Geochemistry (Fixed Term)

We are inviting applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position in isotope geochemistry to join an ERC Advanced Grant-funded study ('EarthMelt', PI Helen Williams) investigating the geochemical records of planetary accretion and differentiation on the Earth and other planets.

The successful candidate will be based in Cambridge and will join a supportive and expanding research community with expertise in isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry, mantle petrology and thermodynamic modelling. Research will involve high performance computing, ab initio and molecular dynamic calculations of novel stable isotope partitioning during planetary differentiation as part of the ERC EarthMelt project.

Applicants must have (or be about to obtain) a Ph.D. in isotope geochemistry, cosmochemistry or experimental petrology. Previous experience in high performance computing, ab initio and molecular dynamic calculations of novel stable isotope partitioning during planetary differentiation or mantle partial melting and crystallisation processes is considered essential for this position. Knowledge or direct experience of experimental petrology as applied to stable isotope partitioning at high pressures and temperatures would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will have good communication and numerical skills and be able to demonstrate scientific independence and initiative. The project will involve numerous opportunities for the candidate to learn new skills and to travel for collaborations and conferences. Depending on career stage, the successful candidate will ideally also have a track record of manuscripts published (or under review in) in peer-reviewed international journals.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 October 2027 in the first instance.
Possible further extension will be dependent on funding.

Start date: Earliest project start date is 28 July 2026.

Salary ranges: Research Associate: £37,694 - £46,049 (Grade 7). Appointment at the 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 - £34,610), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.

Further information regarding the role, can be found in the Further Particulars document.

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

Informal enquires about the position should be made to Helen Williams (hmw20@cam.ac.uk).

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 LB49569 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.

Apply online