Research Associate in Biogeochemistry of Subsurface Hydrogen

The University of Manchester - Science and Engineering - Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences - School of Natural Sciences

Location:ManchesterSalary:£37,694 to £46,049 per annum depending on relevant experienceHours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 15th January 2026

Closes: 6th February 2026

Job Ref: SAE-030541

Job reference: SAE-030541

Salary: £37,694-£46,049 per annum depending on relevant experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

Hours per week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date: 06/02/2026

Contract duration: Fixed term for 24 months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

Background

A Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) position is available for an isotope geochemist to undertake research into the biogeochemistry of natural hydrogen. The position is in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, under the direction of Dr Rebecca Tyne and Prof. Sophie Nixon. You will join a leading research group of isotope geochemists and geomicrobiologists with expertise in the analysis and interpretation of geological samples. The post is funded by an Industry awarded to The University of Manchester.

We seek candidates with an enthusiasm for understanding subsurface fluids and life using isotope geochemistry and/or geomcirobiology. In this project you will use mass spectrometry to measure stable, clumped and/or noble gas isotopes and combine this with microbial community profiling using 16S rRNA and metagenomic sequencing. This will be used characterise baselines for microbial communities and associated conditions in potential H2 generation environments and combine these geochemical and microbial approaches to develop tools to guide exploration.

You should have (or will soon obtain) a PhD in Geology, Earth Sciences or a related discipline, and a publication track record commensurate with your academic experience. You will have experience working with, and undertaking quantitative analyses of geological samples. You will have a good understanding of the principles of isotope geochemistry and experience win biogeochemistry.

Application forms and further particulars are available from our website www.manchester.ac.uk/jobs

If you are unable to go online you can request a hard copy of the details from The Directorate of People and Organisational Development, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 8837, Email: eps-hr@manchester.ac.uk

Closing date: 6th February 2026. Please quote reference SAE-030541

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences is strongly committed to promoting equality and diversity, including the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality in higher education. The School of Natural Sciences holds a Silver Athena SWAN Award which recognises good practice in relation to gender; including flexible working arrangements, family-friendly policies, and support to allow staff to achieve a good work-life balance.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailer