Postdoctoral Research Assistant in the security of carbon dioxide drawdown during Enhanced Rock Weathering

The Department of Earth Sciences, University of Oxford, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in the security of carbon dioxide drawdown during Enhanced Rock Weathering. The main responsibility of this PDRA is to assess the potential for carbonate mineral formation downstream from the range of UK enhanced rock weathering demonstrator sites where crushed basalt is being applied. The PDRA will use pH stat and/or large batch experiments with Raman microspectroscopy experiments with calcite seeds to assess the threshold of elevated alkalinity at which calcite precipitation occurs in filtered porewaters from our Demonstrator field sites (treated and control plots/catchments), and synthetic solutions with ionic compositions constructed to mimic the envelope of chemistries of UK groundwaters and UK lowland river chemistry. Ultimately, these experiments will be used to parametrise calcite precipitation rate equations and empirical rate constants to inform our catchment-scale modelling of ERW practices and GGR on UK lands. The PDRA will be part of a consortium project (ERW-GGR) which is itself a component of the UKRI funded Demonstrator phase of greenhouse gas removal techniques assessing sustainable routes for large-scale removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. (https://www.ukri.org/what-we-offer/browse-our-areas-of-investment-and-support/greenhouse-gas-removal-demonstrators-directorate-hub/). There will be many opportunities to interact with others in this programme within the duration of the post, and the results of the PDRA research will feed directly into the broader goals of this programme to assess the suitability of various approaches to GGR.

 

The candidates will be expected to lead the design and execution of a series of laboratory carbonate precipitation experiments either in batch or using a screening Raman spectromicroscope to assess the rate of carbonate and/or mineral formation at various river/groundwater chemistries, using element or isotope dopants to minimise uncertainty. They will also be expected to liaise with colleagues to compile data on current knowledge of UK river and groundwater chemistries and to develop ideas for generating income. 

 

The candidate will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in aqueous/environmental/ocean geochemistry or a related discipline at the time of starting the post. The candidate will have experience in analytical geochemistry and experience in laboratory wet geochemistry including pH stat experiments, and assessment of mineral precipitation rates. They will have excellent communication skills, the ability to work in a team and the ability to write for publication, present research proposals and results.

The opening is available from as soon as possible and will end on the 30 November 2025.

 

The deadline for applications is midday on 31 October 2024. Interviews will be held mid/late November 2024.

 

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. 

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