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- Tasks: Conduct groundbreaking research on Himalayan tectonics using thermochronology data.
- Company: Lancaster Environment Centre, a leader in environmental research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse workplace, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and contribute to impactful geological research.
- Qualifications: Background in Geological Sciences and experience with PECUBE or thermal modelling.
- Other info: Opportunity for an academic visit to Germany and collaboration with international experts.
The predicted salary is between 33002 - 39906 £ per year.
Research Associate
Lancaster Environment Centre
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £33,002 to £39,906 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Friday 10 October 2025
Interview Date: Monday 10 November 2025
Reference: 0654-25
Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is seeking to appoint a post-doctoral Research Associate with a Geological Sciences background, and experience in thermochronology, for a fixed term 12 month contract from February 2026, with the potential for a short extension, dependent on funding.
The project will utilise medium and low temperature detrital thermochronological data from Himalayan sediments to constrain the tectonic evolution of the Eastern Himalayan syntaxis. The data will focus on recently acquired (unpublished) ages from detrital rutiles double-dated with U-Pb and He techniques. The PDRA will work under the guidance of the Principal Investigator of the project (Prof Yani Najman) and collaborator Prof Peter Van der Beek (Institute of Geological Sciences, University of Potsdam, Germany) to carry out the research, including data reduction, modelling, interpretation and leading the publication of the research in an international peer-reviewed journal. The work will include modelling of the data using PECUBE, ideally undertaken during a two month visit to Peter Van der Beek in Germany, who will lead the modelling element of the project. Prior experience with PECUBE or thermal modelling is therefore highly desirable. The data are already collected, thus allowing sufficient time for modelling, interpretation and write up to publication within the year’s funding duration.
The project is funded by an NSF-NERC grant, with NERC as the funder of this position, and funds already in place at Lancaster.
The post is full-time based in Lancaster, UK, with a two month academic visit to Potsdam.
Lancaster University welcomes applications from all sections of the community and is committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
Informal enquiries are encouraged and should be made to Yani Najman or Peter van der Beek by email.
Further Details:
- Job Description
- Person Specification
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it\’s like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.
The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity and equality of opportunity.
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Research Associate employer: Lancaster University
Contact Detail:
Lancaster University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the geological sciences field, especially those who might know about the Research Associate role. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to insider info or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the project details. Familiarise yourself with thermochronology and PECUBE modelling. Showing that you understand the specifics will impress the interviewers and demonstrate your genuine interest.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from asking questions during the interview! Inquire about the team dynamics, the research environment, and any potential challenges in the project. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Associate role. Highlight your geological sciences background and any relevant experience in thermochronology. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share your passion for research and any specific experiences that relate to the project. Remember, this is your chance to shine!
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you've worked with PECUBE or have experience in thermal modelling, make sure to mention it! We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Lancaster University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your geological sciences knowledge, especially thermochronology. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of the project, like the use of detrital rutiles and U-Pb and He techniques. This will show that you're genuinely interested and prepared.
✨Showcase Your Skills
If you've got experience with PECUBE or thermal modelling, be ready to discuss it in detail. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past projects. This will help demonstrate your capability to contribute effectively to the research.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions for your interviewers about the project and their expectations. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Think about asking about the collaboration with Prof Peter Van der Beek and the modelling process.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team at the Lancaster Environment Centre. Be genuine, and share your passion for research and the environment!
