Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
8897
Job title:
Post-Doctoral Research Associate
Reports to:
Project PI
Salary:
£27,758 - £36,298
Terms and conditions:
Research
Grade:
AC1/AC2
Duration of post:
36 months
Working hours:
Full time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
25 April 2013
Type of application form accepted:
Short
Number of referees required:
3
Unit recruitment contact:
Michelle Duke
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2. Summary of duties
This NERC-funded post-doctoral research associate supports the project entitled: “500,000
years of solar irradiance, climate and vegetation changes”. The post holder will develop and
apply new organic geochemical techniques to determine past changes in the chemical
composition of fossil pollen grains from the Lake Bosumtwi sedimentary sequence. The project
will:
1. Employ cutting-edge analytical techniques that have been pioneered by research team
members, and;
2. Enhance a unique fossil pollen record, recovered as part of the International Continental
Scientific Drilling Program, and developed within our laboratories.
The post holder will work in conjunction with a tied PhD student “Tropical vegetation,
environment and climate: The present is the key to the past” who will focus on exploring
modern pollen-vegetation relationships from both a taxonomic and biochemical perspective.
The successful candidate will join an international multidisciplinary research team. Based
within the Palaeoenvironmental Change Research Group at The Open University the post
holder will collaborate closely with project Co-I Dr Barry Lomax (University of Nottingham) and
Dr Wesley Fraser (Oxford Brooks University). Strong links will also be established with project
partners in the UK (Prof Yadvinder Malhi, University of Oxford; and Prof Mark Sephton,
Imperial College London) and abroad (Dr Tim Shanahan, University of Texas Austin; and Dr
Stephen Abu-Bredu, Forestry Research Institute of Ghana).
Project aims
The overarching aims of the project are to characterize past changes in solar irradiance at the
Earth's surface. To achieve this objective the project will address two key questions related to
the functioning of the Earth's systems:
How does global climate change relate to solar irradiance reaching the Earth's surface?
Is vegetation change coupled with solar irradiance flux?
To ensure that the overarching objective and the key questions are addressed six specific
objectives have been established related to the intellectual challenges, technical advances and
communication of the proposed science.
INTELLECTUAL OBJECTIVES
a) To test the link between modelled change in total solar irradiance (TSI) [1] and solar
irradiance impacting on plants at the Earth's surface. To address this objective we will
generate a 500,000 year record of surface solar irradiance flux by examining the changes
in pollen/spore chemistry through time. The sedimentary record recovered from Lake
Bosumtwi (Ghana) by the International Continental Scientific Drilling Program in 2004
offers the perfect test site because it has been: (i) independently dated, and (ii) has a
complete continuous fossil pollen/spore record available for this period. We predict that the
pollen/spore chemical change will mirror the model predictions. Agreement of the fossil
chemistry with the model will reveal pollen/spore chemical changes to be a potentially
useful tool for dating other fossil records by providing a direct link with orbital parameters.
Deviation of the fossil chemistry from the model will provide insight into how climate
systems are modulating solar irradiance, i.e. a weakening of the chemical UV-B signal
would likely indicate a strengthening of the monsoon as increased cloud cover reduces the
amount of UV-B reaching the Earth's surface.
b) To identify if vegetation assemblage shifts occur coincidently with changes solar
irradiance. To test this relationship we will compare the fossil pollen/spore assemblage
taxonomic and chemical composition from the same samples over major vegetation
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transitions. The focus of this study will be on five biome shifts (to/from forest and
savannah) already identified within the fossil pollen/spore record.
TECHNICAL OBJECTIVES
c) To move palynology (study of pollen/spores) beyond the 'classical' taxonomic approach, as
pioneered by von Post [2], and advance organo-chemical palynology techniques to allow
integration of this method into multi-proxy past environmental change reconstructions.
d) To apply organo-chemical palynology to a fossil pollen/spore record spanning multiple
Quaternary glacial-interglacial cycles for the first time.
COMMUNICATION OBJECTIVES
e) To compile an assessment of the role of TSI in influencing climate and vegetation change.
Scientific and technical advances obtained in addressing objectives 1-4 will be brought
together to provide a comprehensive guide to organo-chemical palynology, its application
and our inferences related to climatic and vegetation change.
f)
To share the obtained data with the past environmental change research community and
Earth system modellers. To achieve this several activities will be carried out: (i) publishing
articles in high impact scientific journals (with open access versions of all articles to be
placed in institutional repository http://oro.open.ac.uk/), (ii) attending international
congresses (e.g. AGU and INQUA), (iii) working with partner organisations in Ghana, (iv)
uploading the raw data to the open access Neotoma Paleoecology Database
(www.neotomadb.org).
REFERENCES: [1] Pillard, D., L. Labeyrie, and P. Yiou, Macintosh program performs timeseries analysis. Eos Trans. AGU, 1996. 77(379). [2] von Post, L., Forest tree pollen in south
Swedish peat bog deposits. Pollen et Spore, 1916, reprinted 1967. 9: p. 375-401
The post-holder will be expected to:
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Develop organic geochemistry techniques.
Collect new organic geochemical data from the Lake Bosumtwi sedimentary sequence.
Co-ordinate the organic geochemical and palynological research, and work alone and
with the other team members to interpret the new palaeoenvironmental data
Develop novel ideas and prepare manuscripts for publication (as co- and first author)
Disseminate results of the research at conferences and to wider audiences.
All staff are expected to:
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Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required
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Take all reasonable and due care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of
any other person who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
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Show a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity
3. Person specification
Essential
 PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline, or be close to completion of PhD
 Background in the Earth or environmental sciences
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Experience of generating high quality palynological or geochemical data
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to write highquality papers of international standing
Good logistical and problem-solving skills
Well-developed self-management skills with the ability to prioritise work appropriately
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and deal with a number of competing demands
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Ability to work independently but collaborate with others as part of a research team
Desirable
 Experience of Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectroscopy and/or Gas
Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS)
 Familiarity with tropical climate and ecosystems
 Previous track record of publishing and presenting results in a relevant research area
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
The successful candidate will spend the majority of their time working in the
Palaeoenvironmental Change Research laboratories at The Open University, work closely with
the research technician who will be associated with this project. The post may involve working
at the weekend and in the evenings depending on the availability of the facilities. The
candidate should also be willing to spend some time abroad to carry out fieldwork and to
obtain samples, and to travel as necessary to visit our co-Investigator in Nottingham and
Oxford and our project partners.
5. About the unit/department
Faculty of Science
The Faculty has a staff of about 270, comprising of around 115 academic staff (central and
regional/national) with the balance made up of research staff, curriculum managers,
laboratory staff, administrators and clerical staff. There are also varying numbers of research
students and visiting academic staff.
The Faculty has three departments, each with constituent discipline groups:
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
 Earth Sciences
 Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
 Brain & Behavioural Sciences
 Cell & Molecular Biology
 Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
 Human Biology
Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
 Physics
 Planetary & Space Sciences
Curriculum
The Faculty has developed an extensive range of modules using the Open University's
supported open learning teaching model. These modules contribute to a number of
qualifications such as the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences and the more general BSc (Open)
degree. In addition, the Faculty supports a number of diplomas and certificates including
interdisciplinary offerings with other faculties. Students can choose to study any of our
modules and qualifications at their own pace and are supported by tutors, study advisers and
on-line conferences. There are optional face to face tutorials for some modules, but many of
our modules are accessible entirely online and it is possible to complete the whole Natural
Sciences BSc degree in this way. This level of accessibility means that the Faculty supports a
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large proportion of all the part-time undergraduate degree studies undertaken in the UK.
In addition to our degree level programmes, the Faculty offers an innovative range of Science
Short Courses that are designed to provide a taster of Level 1 study for those new to
undergraduate study.
The Faculty also offers a Master's postgraduate degree programme with several taught
degrees including the first UK MSc to be accredited by the Council of Graduate Schools as a
Professional Science Master's.
The launch of a new suite of modules in Practical Science (S288) in February 2012 sees an
exciting opportunity for engaging in practical science through online environments and
laboratory and field-based activities. The five modules reflect each of the five major
disciplines: chemistry and analysis (SXC288); environmental science (SXE288); earth and
environment (SXG288); biology and health (SXL288) and physics and astronomy (SXP288).
Two promotional videos outlining these new modules are available to view - S288 Practical
Science.
Research & Enterprise
Our research encompasses a wide range from 'blue skies' to applied research finding
solutions to specific scientific and technological problems..
These research activities are supported by world class laboratory facilities and
instrumentation and provide opportunities for full time PhD research studentships supported
by our own academics and post-doctoral researchers.
There are about 48,000 students studying our undergraduate and postgraduate science
modules, mainly based in the UK, but increasing numbers are studying online globally. There
are also several hundred PhD research students studying full time in our laboratories at our
campus in Milton Keynes or part time at partner institutions or affiliated research centres.
We have over 4500 square metres of state-of-the-art research laboratories with major
research facilities that include:
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A recently opened facility for interdisciplinary research in ecosystems and geobiology.
One of Europe’s leading centres for isotope mass spectrometry including extensive
radiogenic, noble gas and stable isotope mass spectrometry facilities and a new £3
million microbeam facility, including a Cameca Nanosims ion imaging system and dual
beam FIB-SEM
Ultraclean spacecraft instrument testing and assembly, and for handling planetary
materials and returned extra-terrestrial samples
A state-of-the-art life sciences research facility including biological containment
laboratories, molecular genetics and DNA-sequencing laboratories
Environmental and transmission electron microscopy
Hypervelocity Impact laboratory
Well-equipped laboratories for research in atomic, molecular and plasma research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics, bringing
together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through three major
research groupings:
Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
CEPSAR aims to explore origins, systems and processes with respect to the evolution and
chemistry of materials that form the stars and planetary bodies, the processes and natural
systems that shape the environment of our habitable world, and the essential properties of a
Solar System that allows life to develop on one of its planets. Research in CEPSAR is
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focused on 6 strategic research themes:
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Astronomy
Environmental Change (Past, Present and Future)
Natural Hazards
Planetary Geosciences
Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry
Solar System Exploration
A priority for CEPSAR's research is to investigate issues that are at the cutting-edge of
science, are topical, with practical outcomes to Earth dwellers and planetary investigators.
Our research will supply knowledge that ensures continued and improved habitability of our
planet by a better understanding of its processes (past, present and future). All this is set
within a period of rapid environmental change (the next 10 years may prove crucial for Earth)
that may influence the lives of our children and future generations.
Research in CEPSAR is currently supported through a variety of external funding including
from ESA, NERC, STFC, The Wellcome Trust and The Leverhulme Trust.
If you would like any further information please visit our website at CEPSAR.
Biomedical Research Network
Our research in the Life Sciences aims to investigate the properties and interrelationships of
organisms, including humans, other animals and plants – covering different levels of biological
organization, from molecules to communities of organisms. Current research priorities are:
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Ageing and neurodegeneration
Autism
Biodiversity and environmental science
Biological and health-related physics
Bio-organic and medicinal chemistry
Cell biology and immunology of the nervous system
Cellular and molecular neurobiology
Cognitive Science
Molecular genetics
Neuroscience
Our research teams comprise biologists, chemists, environmental scientists, physicists and
psychologists who contribute to a vibrant and interdisciplinary research community. Our
laboratory facilities have recently been substantially expanded and include molecular genetics
laboratories, a DNA-sequencing laboratory, dark rooms, tissue culture suites, electron
microscopes, confocal microscope suite, ecology labs, biology resource unit and a radiation
suite which houses a cell harvester, beta scintillation and gamma counters.
If you would like any further information about biomedical research at The Open University
please visit our website at BRN.
Employers,
(eSTEeM)
Science,
Technology,
Engineering,
Entrepreneurship,
Mathematics
eSTEeM brings together STEM academics to promote innovation and scholarship.
We are working in four priority areas:
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Education for employment – working with employers, sector skills councils,
professional bodies, HE STEM agencies etc.
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International STEM education – promoting conversations about international
challenge in supply of STEM graduates, associated teaching and learning models,
and scholarship opportunities.
Engagement – promoting innovation, development and associated scholarship.
Enterprise – identifying opportunities to use Open University expertise in STEM
education in spin-out activities and resources.
Much of our work centres on the effective use of learning technologies at scale - our portfolio
of projects includes work on e-assessment, mobile learning, online laboratories and the use of
virtual learning environments. We welcome partnerships and are already working with
universities and other agencies both within and outside the UK.
Further information on the Faculty can be found on our website at
http://www8.open.ac.uk/science/main/.
Department of Environment, Earth & Ecosystems
The Department comprises two Disciplines:
Earth Science (Head: vacant)
Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Head: Dr Vince Gauci)
The Department’s research is co-ordinated through the Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space
and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) http://cepsar.open.ac.uk/, and covers a wide range of
subjects – from the behaviour of atoms at temperatures close to absolute zero to the merger
of galaxies many light years away. Studies range from the building blocks of stars and
planets by microscopes, and stars and planets themselves by both ground- and space-based
telescopes. The common thread that runs through research in these areas is a desire to
understand the origin of matter, and how it has evolved from the Big Bang almost 14 billion
years ago to what we can observe and measure today.
The Department enjoys full use of CEPSAR’s exceptionally well equipped research facilities,
including a large suite of clean labs and trace element and isotope geochemistry mass
spectrometers, noble gas mass spectrometers, ecosystems instruments labs and
environment chambers, as well as the IMPACT computer cluster.
The Department’s teaching is mainly within the Environmental science and Earth science
curriculum, with additional significant contributions to the other strands in physical science.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Dr William Gosling, Lecturer +44 (0)1908 655147 or email
William.Gosling@open.ac.uk
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact If you have any
questions regarding the application process please contact Michelle Duke on +44 (0)1908
659672 or email science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Your application should include:
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Cover letter indicating your motivation for applying and how you believe your
experience and skills match the person specification.
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Short application form
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CV including list of publications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 25 April 2013
E-mail it to science-recruitment@open.ac.uk or post it to:
Name/Job title:
Michelle Duke, Staffing Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Faculty of Science
Address:
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Dr William Gosling. The other members of the
interview panel will be advised to shortlisted candidates. The interview date is to be advised.
We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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