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 role
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.
About you
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.
Experience
The role holder would possess some research experience with sufficient breadth/depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes
- Experience with mineral synthesis using wet-chemical methods AND/OR
- Experience with rock and mineral magnetic characterisation methods AND/OR
- Experience with micromagnetic modelling AND/OR
- Experience with electron and/or X-ray microscopy methods.
Skills
- Will continually update knowledge in the specialist area and engage in continuous professional development
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Details
- 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).
- The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.