"Research Fellow"

The School of Applied Sciences, University of Brighton, is seeking to appoint a Research Fellow in Geochemistry to work on the NERC Pushing the Frontiers of Environmental Science funded project ‘SCREED: Supergene enrichment of carbonatite-hosted rare earth element deposits’.

This post holder will work with Prof. Martin Smith and collaborators at Camborne School of Mines (CSM) - University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth to investigate the mineralogy, geochemistry and microbiology of the carbonatite weathered zone and their consequences for REE resources. You will work in the geochemical laboratories at the University of Brighton (XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, XPS, SEM) and with staff from the Brighton Integrative Genomics Unit, with opportunity to visit CSM to work on LA-ICPMS and EMPA. A proposal to work at the Diamond Light Source has been approved as part of the project and experience with X-ray absorption spectroscopy would be an advantage.

The successful candidate will:

• Have, or be near to completing, a PhD and have experience of relevant analytical techniques.
• Experience of analytical techniques including one or more of XRD, XRF, ICP-MS, XPS, U-Th-He geochronology or soil biota (meta)genomics.
• Sufficient, up to date breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes and evidence of commitment to engage in continuous professional development.

The post is full time, for a fixed term to 31st May 2026, but may have potential for extension. There is opportunity for attendance at national and international meetings. This position is available on a job share basis.

Informal enquiries contact Prof. Martin Smith (martin.smith@brighton.ac.uk).