PDRA​/Senior PDRA in Organic Geochemistry

What will you be doing?

You will be responsible for the acquisition and analysis of bacterial biomass for its lipid content and interpreting this into the framework of published literature on bacterial membrane spanning lipid biosynthesis. The aim is to elucidate the source organism for a range of bacterial membrane spanning lipids, including brGDGTs and brGMGTs. Bacterial biomass will be obtained from partners (e.g. Stanford – Welander group), active culturing, and international databases (e.g. DSMZ), guided by state-of-the-art genomic approaches and framework of biosynthesis pathways.

You will have a key role in the team and have opportunities to mentor and supervise undergraduate and PhD students and develop your own portfolio. You will be supported by a dedicated technician as well as larger team as well as the outstanding OGU Facilities, use and learn using state-of-the-art analytical, culturing, and gene expression techniques. You will have opportunities to explore a wide range of organic geochemistry and biosynthesis questions, present at international conferences, and develop your own scientific and interdisciplinary ideas, including the co-production of knowledge with local and international collaborators.

• A good honours degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Earth Sciences, Biology, Geography, or related subject
• PhD in Chemistry, Organic Geochemistry, Earth Sciences, Geomicrobiology or related disciplines
• Appointment at the Senior Research Associate level will require previous experience in research and (under) graduate supervision at PDRA level or equivalent industry-level as well as an aptitude for leadership and project supervision
• Analytical geochemistry and geomicrobiology skills and the ability to pro-actively and creatively implement wet chemistry and instrumental solutions to complex problems
• Relevant experience of designing and implementing laboratory experiments, specifically working with microbial (bacterial) cultures and analysing their biomass for its lipid content using (un) targeted instrumental approaches
• Experience with elucidating biomarker biosynthesis pathways
• Evidence of effective science communication through publications of scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals
• Evidence of effective science communication through (inter) national conference presentations
• Experience of liaison with (external) collaborators and organisations
• Evidence of ability to work in diverse team and contribution to positive work environment
• Evidence for involvement in outreach activities

Contract type:
Open-ended with fixed funding

Work pattern: 1 FTE

Shift pattern:
Monday - Friday

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on Wednesday 7th July

For informal queries please contact:
David Naafs,

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£39,906 to £48,882 per annum, Grade: I/J