Salary: £28,200 to £30,600 depending on qualifications and experience
Grade: NERC-6
Contract Type: 2 year fixed term appointment
Hours: Full Time
Closing Date: 8 May 2016

Interview Date: TBC

To undertake geochemical research into rare element metalloid deposition and extraction, as applied to ferro-manganese crusts from the ocean floor

Primary Tasks:

• To undertake high spatial resolution characterisation and sample preparation, chemical purification, high precision isotope and trace element analyses using a range of techniques
• To work in an ultra-clean isotope laboratory environment, developing sample preparation procedures for low-blank chemical purification
• To undertake high-precision isotope ratio analysis using a range of mass spectrometry instrumentation
• To use LA-(MC-)ICPMS to decipher the spatial and temporal scale of formation of ferromanganese deposits
• To combine geochemical and other data sets to determine the 2D and 3D formation history of ferromanganese deposits
• To work in a team establishing the resource potential and viability of metal extraction from seafloor ferromanganese deposits

Other Tasks:

• To contribute to team goals through effective team working, including contributing to other work programmes as appropriate and where required
• To be prepared to go to sea on a marine expedition where samples and data will be collected
• To help train and supervise PhD students, related to the MarineE-tech project, when appropriate

Essential criteria

• Evidence of a high level of attention to detail with respect to technically challenging analytical techniques, data collection, reduction and interpretation
• Ability to solve scientific and practical problems during research in labs and in the field (including whilst at sea)
• Able to play a full part in a team of research scientists in a collegiate manner and across multiple BGS groups
• Ability to write reports, scientific papers and give public and scientific presentations
• High precision radiogenic isotope geochemistry including challenging analytical techniques, data collection, reduction and interpretation
• Knowledge of marine geochemistry
• BSc and PhD in geology/geochemistry or equivalent
• Evidence of being able to organise your time and priorities efficiently in a busy lab environment
• Evidence of excellent communication skills, both oral and written
• Evidence of good time management skills and be able to work on several tasks concurrently
• Ability to present complex scientific material relevant to isotope geochemistry and marine geoscience research in manuscripts and seminars
• Able to go to sea and pass an ENG1 seagoing medical
• Holder of a valid passport
• Ability to successfully apply for a US Visa (ESTA) or C1D Visa, where required
• Hold a UK driving licence and be eligible to drive a BGS hire car

Desirable criteria

• LA-ICP-MS and elemental geochemistry
• MSc/PhD focussed on marine geochemistry

Working hours will be 37 per week excluding lunch breaks. A generous benefits package is also offered, including a company pension scheme, childcare voucher scheme, 30 days annual leave plus 10.5 days public and privilege holidays. NERC has an equal opportunities policy and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under represented and their applications are particularly welcomed. Guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities. The British Geological Survey is Investors in People organisation.

Only online applications will be accepted and should be submitted in the form of an up-to-date c.v. and covering letter (ensuring that the IRC reference is included in the file name description of each document uploaded), which clearly outlines why you are applying for this post and how you meet the criteria described in this advertisement. Please note that applications submitted without a covering letter, or which fail to address these points, may not be considered further.

Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867000. Please quote the appropriate reference number when calling.