Postdoctoral Research Associate

We invite applications for a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to join the Department of Earth Sciences, working with Professor Ed Llewellin and Professor Madeleine Humphreys at Durham University, and Dr Hugh Tuffen at Lancaster University, on a project funded by the Natural Environment Research Council: "Explosive-effusive volcanic eruption transitions caused by pyroclast sintering". The position is fixed term for 38 months, with a preferred start date of 1st October 2024. This laboratory-based project will address a first-order challenge in volcanology - understanding the controls on transitions in eruption style and intensity during the most hazardous eruptions. The project team recently developed the 'cryptic fragmentation' model to explain effusive-explosive transitions in crystal-poor rhyolitic eruptions, demonstrating that apparently effusive rhyolite lavas are formed by sinter-assembly of the clastic products of deeper fragmentation. This new project will explore the extent to which the cryptic fragmentation model also applies to intermediate (andesitic and dacitic) systems, which are much more common and pose a much greater societal risk than rhyolitic volcanoes. The project will also quantify the component physical processes that drive and mediate transitions within this new cryptic fragmentation paradigm, supporting the development of rigorous physical and numerical models for transitions in, and cessation of, intermediate and silicic volcanic eruptions.

The successful applicant will be expected to undertake laboratory experiments and sample analysis to collect high-quality data that inform on sintering processes in natural and synthetic analogue systems. The PDRA will also work with the investigator and collaborator team to interpret the results and produce high-impact publications based on the findings. The PDRA will benefit from close interaction with a wide range of expertise within the broader project collaboration network and will be expected to attend conferences to present their work. The PDRA will join the vibrant volcanology group at Durham University and will further benefit from the Department's mentoring programme for Early Career Researchers. PDRAs are also encouraged to co-supervise postgraduate and undergraduate research projects. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the general activities of the volcanology group and participate actively in the intellectual life of the department. There may be opportunities to teach/demonstrate in labs and field classes depending on the interests of the successful candidate.

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder in particular:

  • Plan and conduct laboratory experiments at high temperature to quantify the sintering behaviour of natural and synthetic andesites, dacites, and rhyolites. Experimental techniques will include sample synthesis in HPHT pressure vessels, optical dilatometry, and high-temperature deformation.

  • Analyse natural samples and experimental products using a range of techniques, including optical microscopy, micro-CT, SEM, FTIR, TGA-MS, EMPA.

  • Maintain high standards of working practices in laboratory facilities, and to support the investigator team in developing new experimental capabilities, procedures, and techniques.

• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.

• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

This post is fixed term for 38 months. The research project funding is from NERC and is available for the fixed-term period only.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent ...