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- Tasks: Conduct high-precision analysis of potassium isotopes in meteorites and develop innovative methodologies.
- Company: Join the University of Bristol's School of Earth Sciences, a leader in research and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make groundbreaking contributions to planetary science and work with cutting-edge analytical techniques.
- Qualifications: Experience in high-precision isotope measurement and a passion for cosmochemistry.
- Other info: Open-ended contract with fixed funding until 2026; dynamic team atmosphere.
The predicted salary is between 43482 - 50253 £ per year.
Overview
The role: the position initially involves turning significant progress we have made in establishing a critical-mixture double spiking method for the high precision analysis of mass-dependent K isotope variations into a fully operational methodology. The project will then apply this technique to making analyses of bulk meteorites to better quantify and understand the process of volatile loss in planetary bodies. This work constitutes part of the VAPLOSS ERC Grant to Dr Remco Hin (CNR, Milan). The successful candidate will be part of this team as well as a member of the Bristol Isotope group in the School of Earth Sciences, University of Bristol.
What will you be doing?
The position dominantly involves careful work in a clean laboratory and mass-spectrometry suite. The post-holder will need to make low-blank, silicate sample digestions and separate K from matrix elements using ion-chromatography. They will also prepare and calibrate a 41 K- 40 K spike that will be added to samples for the analysis procedure. Potassium samples will be analysed on a thermal ionisation multi-collector mass-spectrometer, although there is also scope for analysis using a collision cell, multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass-spectrometer. An initial phase will consolidate our existing experience to establish a high-precision measurement protocol. The successful candidate will reduce the double-spiked measurements to determine mass-dependent isotopic variations of K in various bulk meteorite samples. The results and inferences will be written up for publication.
You should apply if
Applicants are encouraged who have an enthusiasm for making challenging but innovative analytical measurements. We welcome applicants with extensive experience in high-precision, inorganic isotope ratio measurement, especially in a cosmochemical context. As well as a strong analytical background, a good understanding of key processes during the growth of solid planets is needed.
Additional information
Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 30/09/2026
Work pattern: Full time
Grade: J/Pathway 2
Salary: £43,482 – £50,253 per annum
School/Unit: School of Earth Sciences
This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 29/09/2025
For informal queries, please contact: Tim Elliott tim.elliott@bristol.ac.uk , remco.hin@cnr.it
Our strategy and mission
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values. The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people – because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.
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Senior Research Associate in potassium isotope cosmochemistry employer: University of Bristol Law School
Contact Detail:
University of Bristol Law School Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in potassium isotope cosmochemistry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Bristol, especially in the School of Earth Sciences. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into potassium isotope cosmochemistry. Brush up on your knowledge about mass-spectrometry techniques and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their innovative analytical measurements.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with them, let your passion for cosmochemistry shine through. We want to see that you're not just qualified, but genuinely excited about the work you'll be doing.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at the University of Bristol.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in potassium isotope cosmochemistry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for potassium isotope cosmochemistry! In your application, share why this field excites you and how your background aligns with our mission. A genuine passion can really make your application stand out.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience in high-precision measurements and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills fit into our team and the exciting work we do!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your experiences and achievements. We appreciate clarity, and it helps us understand your qualifications better.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bristol Law School
✨Know Your Isotopes
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of potassium isotopes and their significance in cosmochemistry. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with the high-precision analysis methods mentioned in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to showcase your analytical background, especially in high-precision, inorganic isotope ratio measurement. Think of specific examples from your past work that highlight your expertise in mass-spectrometry and ion-chromatography.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the Team's Work
Research the VAPLOSS ERC Grant and Dr Remco Hin’s work. Understanding the project’s goals will help you articulate how you can contribute to the team and the methodologies they are developing.
✨Show Enthusiasm for Innovation
Express your passion for making challenging analytical measurements. Share any innovative approaches you've taken in previous roles that demonstrate your ability to think outside the box and tackle complex problems.
