Postdoctoral Research Associate in Magnetic Monitoring of Stimulated Hydrogen Generation

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Magnetic Monitoring of Stimulated Hydrogen Generation

Earth and Space Science Informatics (ESSI)

Contract

Entry level

39424 - 42794 € / Year, Research Grade 7:
Salary in range £39,424 - £42,794 per annum (pro rata). This is inclusive of a pensionable Oxford University Weighting of £1,730 per year (pro rata).

PhD

20 August 2026

27 July 2026

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Magnetic Monitoring of Stimulated Hydrogen Generation to join the Department of Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford. You will work with Professor Claire Nichols and Professor Chris Ballentine as part of the Oxford Martin Programme on Geological Hydrogen, an interdisciplinary initiative investigating whether stimulated geological hydrogen can provide a low-cost, low-carbon and socially responsible route to fertiliser production and improved food and energy security.

You will work within a highly collaborative research environment, engaging with colleagues across Earth Sciences, Computer Science, Geography, Economics and the Saïd Business School, as well as external academic and industry partners.

You will lead laboratory-based research to investigate the reaction pathways, mechanisms and kinetics of stimulated hydrogen generation in key geological settings. The role will focus on developing and applying high-sensitivity magnetic techniques to monitor hydrogen-generating water–rock reactions through coupled magnetite formation and consumption, alongside complementary mineralogical, geochemical and petrological analyses. You will design and refine experimental protocols, analyse complex scientific datasets, and contribute to field-based magnetic monitoring activities in case‑study regions.

You will manage your own research programme, coordinate multiple aspects of the project to meet agreed deadlines, and contribute to scientific publications, conference presentations and project reports. As part of the Oxford Martin Programme.

It is essential that you hold, or are close to completing, a PhD/DPhil in Earth Sciences, Geochemistry, Geophysics, Environmental Geoscience, Mineral Physics, Physical Chemistry, Materials Science or a closely related discipline. You can have experience designing, conducting and interpreting laboratory experiments involving rocks, minerals, fluids, gases or water–rock reactions, together with a strong understanding of geological, geochemical or geophysical processes relevant to hydrogen generation and redox systems.

Experience using specialist laboratory equipment and analysing quantitative scientific data is essential, along with excellent organisational and communication skills. Experience in magnetic measurements, mineral magnetism, reaction kinetics, thermodynamic modelling, hydrogen-related geological systems or complementary analytical techniques would be advantageous.

This position is offered full time on a fixed term contract until 31 March 2029.

The Final date to receive applications is midday on 20 August 2026 and interviews are expected to take place in mid of September.