Research Fellow in Geosolutions Leeds: Structural Diagenesis for the Energy Transition

University of Leeds - Faculty of Environment - School of Earth and Environment - Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT)

Location:LeedsSalary:£39,355 to £46,735 per annum (depending on experience) (Grade 7)Hours:Full TimeContract Type:Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 9th July 2025

Closes: 26th August 2025

Job Ref: ENVEE1819

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Working time: 100% - We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements

Contract type: Fixed term (24 months - to complete specific time limited work)

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have a background in fluid-rock reaction (diagenesis), rock mechanics and/or structural geology? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive Universities, and conduct fundamental research to accelerate the Energy Transition?

The role is based at Geosolutions Leeds, an exciting new strategic investment by the University of Leeds as part of its Climate Plan, supporting the refocusing of research. Geosolutions Leeds brings together world-leading expertise in geology, engineering and social science to deliver an integrated systems approach to energy geoscience that will meet Net Zero goals.

You will work with Professors Dave Healy and Sandra Piazolo at Leeds, and collaborate with Professor Cathy Hollis (University of Manchester), to couple understanding of the diagenetic evolution of sedimentary rocks with fracture development. This project is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and this role is one of two PDRA positions funded through the project.

In this role, you will map the fracture patterns and sample fractured limestones and sandstones from the Pennines, UK. You will quantify their diagenetic history, and describe in detail the history and character of natural fracture cements using a range of analytical techniques. In addition, you will perform post-mortem microstructural and microchemical analyses of fracture cements in samples deformed in laboratory experiments by the other team member.

You will have a PhD in Geology or Geophysics, and have experience in geological field work in deformed rocks, sedimentary petrography and geochemistry, quantitative characterization techniques, and a strong commitment to publishing scientific results.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

If you are looking for a role that will combine quantitative geoscience with finding solutions to the challenges of the Energy Transition, apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Dave Healy Email: D.Healy@leeds.ac.uk

Professor Sandra Piazolo Email: S.Piazolo@leeds.ac.uk