Post Doctoral Research Associate in Biogeochemistry in Oxford

The School of Geography and the Environment is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a NERC-funded project investigating the role of rock organic carbon oxidation in the Earth's carbon cycle during past climate warming events. The project, Rock organic carbon oxidation – a universal carbon cycle feedback during transient warming events, combines field, laboratory, and analytical approaches to develop new methods for reconstructing carbon cycle feedbacks from the geological record.

Working with Professor Robert Hilton, Professor Julie Cosmidis, and collaborators at the University of Southampton, the successful candidate will focus on developing and applying geochemical proxies to understand rock organic carbon oxidation in both modern and ancient environments. The research will involve the application of ramped oxidation and/or Raman spectromicroscopy techniques, the analysis of large geochemical datasets, and the development of new approaches for quantifying carbon cycle feedbacks through Earth's history.

We are seeking candidates who hold, or are close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in a relevant discipline and who have experience in either ramped oxidation and thermal methods for characterising organic matter reactivity, or Raman spectromicroscopy for analysing organic matter structure. Experience processing and interpreting large analytical datasets, knowledge of biogeochemical processes affecting organic matter cycling, and familiarity with laboratory procedures for sediment and organic matter analysis are essential.

The postholder will join the Earth Surface Geochemistry group at Oxford and work within a wider collaborative team of researchers across the UK and internationally. The role offers opportunities for publication, conference participation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and career development within a leading research environment. This is a laboratory-based position linked to the analysis of geological and environmental materials. While some flexibility may be possible, regular on-site attendance in Oxford is required to undertake laboratory research and related project activities. This post is fixed term until 30 September 2028 and offered on a full time basis (1 FTE / 37.5 hours).

What We Offer

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans.

Application Process

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. See guidance at https://www.jobs.ox.ac.uk/cv-and-supporting-statement.

Any technical questions related to this vacancy can be sent to recruit@ouce.ox.ac.uk. The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on 13 July 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered. Interviews to take place on 22 July 2026.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black, and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity.