Department of Geography
Research Associate
Grade 7: £30,594 - £35,469 pa
Available for 24 months commencing January 2010
Ref: SEN00027
The Department of Geography at Leicester is seeking to appoint a Research Associate (RA) as part of a Leverhulme Trust funded research project that seeks to develop new plant biomarker-based approaches to environmental monitoring and palaeoecological reconstruction in semi-arid regions of southern Africa.
The overall aim is to develop novel biomarker-based approaches to palaeoecology, based on a rigorous understanding of contemporary organic matter sources and degradation processes in the Succulent Karoo Biome and Cape Floristic Region (CFR) of South Africa. The project will investigate the occurrence of plant macromolecules (e.g. cutan) in extant succulents, the preservation/degradation of cutan and related macromolecular organic matter in soils and sediments, as well as organic matter composition and preservation in long-term sedimentary archives. You will be responsible for day-to-day laboratory measurements and analyses associated with this project, which will primarily involve the preparation and analysis of samples using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) techniques. This will include developing and modifying existing GC/MS protocols & the interpretation of GC/MS spectra. A high degree of independence and the ability to develop and test different methods is expected. You will work with a team of international experts in organic geochemistry, palaeoecology and southern African environments. Applicants must have an excellent record of research achievement or demonstrate potential for research excellence.
For further information and to apply on-line, please visit our website: http://www2.le.ac.uk/jobs
Closing Date: 9 October 2009
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Research Associate for Department of Geography at Leicester University
