We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Assistant/Associate (PDRA) with expertise in the general field of mineral magnetism and/or prebiotic chemistry. The post is funded through the Leverhulme Centre for Life in the Universe (https://www.lclu.cam.ac.uk/) at the University of Cambridge as part of the project "Can magnetite induce homochirality under prebiotically-relevant conditions?". Recent experiments have shown that large, smooth surfaces of magnetite (Fe3O4) are extremely efficient at selecting the correct handedness of prebiotic molecules when exposed to a high laboratory magnetic field. This project seeks to answer the critical question of whether this selectivity also operates in clusters of small particles of magnetite exposed to much weaker magnetic fields, i.e. under conditions much closer to those that were likely present on the early Earth or Mars.
The successful candidate will be hosted by the Department of Earth Sciences under the guidance of Prof. Richard Harrison, Prof. Emilie Ringe and Prof. Nick Tosca, as well as collaborators from Harvard. The post-holder will have access to outstanding laboratory, magnetic characterisation, electron microscopy, and computational facilities.
Applicants must have (or be about to obtain), a PhD in a relevant scientific discipline. Applicants should have experience of at least one of the following: 1) bulk rock magnetic characterisation methods, 2) aqueous organic/materials synthesis, 3) 3D nanoscale imaging using STEM or FIB tomography, and 4) micromagnetic simulations. The successful candidate will be highly motivated, have a strong publication record (commensurate with their career stage) and good communication skills.
Earliest start date: The position is available from 01 September 2024.
Fixed term: The funds for this post are available for two years in the first instance (until 31 August 2026, when based on a start date 01 September 2024).
Salary ranges: Research Associate: £36,024 - £44,263 (Grade 7). Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD, will initially be under-appointed as a Research Assistant (Grade 5, Point 38 - £32,982), moving to Research Associate (Grade 7) upon confirmation of their PhD award.
Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.
Further details on the position can be found in the Further Particulars document.
Interested candidates should contact Prof. Richard Harrison for more information (rjh40@cam.ac.uk).
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV), a covering letter and publications list in the upload section. If you upload any additional documents that have not been requested they will not be considered as part of your application.
Please quote reference LB41213 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
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