Research Fellow in Aqueous Geochemistry

University of Plymouth - School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences

Placed On: 31st March 2026

Closes: 1st May 2026

Job Ref: B1172

Join us at the University of Plymouth in uncovering how the subsurface can help power a low-carbon future. We’re seeking a passionate geochemist to investigate groundwater interactions with ground source energy systems.

About the role

This opportunity is for a 26 month Research Fellow position working on the EPSRC project ‘Mitigating Risks of Mineralisation and biofilms in Open Loop thermal Energy Systems (MRMOLES). You will be based at the University of Plymouth, and collaborating with the microbiology unit at the British Geology Survey in Keyworth, Nottingham. The project will involve field visits to UK sites, developing laboratory flow through apparatus, geochemical and microbiological analyses and modelling to determine the nature of how problematic solid-phases are formed in these systems.

The role will require you to undertake research in aqueous geochemistry, including desk, lab and/or field-based activities, delivering high quality outputs on time and, working collaboratively and productively within the research team, University and wider community.

For more information on School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools

For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact:

Matt Bailey Ross; by email at matt.baileyross@plymouth.ac.uk

Please note: We’re currently unable to sponsor this role under the Skilled Worker visa route. However, we welcome all applicants, as other visa options may be available.

What we’re looking for

You will:

• Have completed a PhD in aqueous geochemistry or related topic
• Be confident working in a collaborative team environment and delivering research objectives and outputs on time and to a high standard.

We will provide topic specific training on field data collection and sampling, in addition to geochemical modelling.

For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.

About us

You will be joining a small team at the start of this exciting new project, joining a welcoming and collegiate School by the seaside!

Your permanent base will be in Plymouth, with a short secondment to the British Geological Survey's geomicrobiology unit in Keyworth.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Closing date: 12 midnight, Friday 1 May 2026

Our Offer

A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.