Research Associate – high precision geochronology

60 months

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE & ENGINEERING

SUERC

GRADE 7

Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to understanding (1) the formation and impact of Large Igneous Provinces, and/or (2) the formation of large intrusive bodies and associated magmatic processes, working closely with Professor Darren Mark and the Geochronology and Geochemistry Research Group (G2RG) at SUERC.

They should have demonstrated expertise in zircon U–Pb geochronology using both LA-ICP-MS and CA-ID-TIMS approaches, with extensive hands-on experience of zircon separation, chemical abrasion, dissolution, and ion-exchange chemistry undertaken in ultra-clean laboratory environments. The candidate should be proficient in generating and interpreting high-quality U–Pb data using a range of mass spectrometric platforms, including laser ablation systems coupled to Neoma MC-ICPMS, Element 2 HR-ICPMS, and iCAP MTX (TQ) ICPMS.

The successful candidate will be given access to state-of-the-art noble gas mass spectrometers for Ar/Ar geochronology, alongside laser ablation and CA-ID-TIMS U–Pb facilities, enabling the delivery of internationally leading science with clear impact. They will be expected to lead and contribute to the formulation and submission of high-quality research publications and competitive research proposals, and, as opportunities arise, to help manage, coordinate, and direct complex and challenging research projects.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and research group strategy.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of SUERC and The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges

associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research

strategy.

5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across SUERC and The School of Geographical and Earth Sciences, University of Glasgow as well as the wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of SUERC.

9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11. Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. support of PhD research) and associated admin as assigned by the Principal Investigator.

12. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the SUERC Director.

15. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with

the University Strategy, World Changers Together.

Qualifications

A1Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential:

B1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism.

B2 Experience working in ultra-clean chemistry labs for preparation of radiogenic isotopes, TIMS and ICP-MS.

B3 Knowledge and experience of project-specific technical models (e.g., Bayesian modelling), equipment or techniques including high-precision CA-ID-TIMS and LA-ICPMS U-Pb geochronology

B4 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Experience

Essential:

C1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality

publications/conferences.

C3 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

C4 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

C5 Experience in undertaking independent research.

C6 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data,

open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

C7 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other

forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage.

Applications should include:

-           A covering letter explaining your motivation for the application

-           A CV

-           A maximum 2-page (A4) example proposal of the type of research projects the candidate would like to pursue in this role and how they can play a leading role in development of new U-Pb geochronology facilities at SUERC.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Professor Darren Mark Darren.Mark@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

 
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 5 years. 

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

23 February 2026 at 23:45