Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Volcanic Petrology

The post-holder will join a team of investigators working on the NERC-funded Large Grant ‘Ex-X’ Expecting the Unexpected. Understanding ‘dangerous’ volcanic transitions’, led by Prof. Jenni Barclay (University of Bristol). This project seeks to deliver a step-change in how we understand the dangerous eruptive transitions that are associated with significant disruptions and fatalities. The project will use the volcanoes of the Eastern Caribbean as a focal point and, with our international partners, will demonstrate how this knowledge can improve monitoring and warning systems in the Eastern Caribbean.

The postholder will undertake quantitative petrological research to investigate magma storage conditions and timescales of magmatic processes in the lead up to and during selected volcanic eruptions of target volcanoes in the eastern Caribbean. Research will include analysis of materials from pre-existing sample collections, and also collaborative fieldwork to collect new samples.

About you

You will hold or be close to the completion of, a relevant PhD/DPhil together with relevant experience, and have relevant experience of chemical and petrological analysis of igneous rock samples. You will possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes.

You will be able to work independently, and you must have the ability to manage your own academic research and associated activities. You will have excellent communication skills including a track record of contributing to publications and presentations and an ability to contribute ideas for new research projects.

Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project and experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication are desirable, but not essential. The post is fixed term for 2 years.

For further details, please see the job description. The deadline for applications is midday on 14 August 2025. Interviews will be provisionally held on 04 September 2025.

You will be required to upload a CV and a Supporting Statement as part of your application. Please do not attach any manuscripts, papers, transcripts, mark sheets or certificates as these will not be considered as part of your application.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and ethnic minority candidates, who are under-represented in research posts in the Department.