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:
7687
Job title:
Post Doctoral Research Associate
Reports to:
Senior Lecturer
Salary:
£30,122 - £35,938
Terms and conditions:
Research Staff
Grade:
Academic Grade 2
Duration of post:
Temporary until 31 March 2014
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
23 February 2012
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 is postdoctoral position funded by STFC as part of our Rolling Grant that includes a
number of positions researching a broad range of planetary science and cosmochemistry.
This position is for the investigation of the origin and processing of carbonaceous materials in
chondritic meteorites through an integrated study involving mineralogy, spectroscopy and
isotopic analysis. The study will focus on the characterisation of the isotopic, textural and
mineralogic associations of carbonaceous material at the micro to nanoscale and to examine
the effects of asteroidal parent body processing these associations. This work seeks to
investigate the relationship between nebular dust and carbonaceous materials in pre- and
post-accretionary environements with the aim of developing our understanding of early solar
system formation processes.
The analysis of the samples will involve a range of analytical tools available at the Open
University. Analytical SEM and TEM (samples prepared by FIB-SEM) together with TipEnhanced Raman Spectroscopy (TERS) will be used to determine the principle mineralogy
and nature of the carbonaceous material present. Isotopic characterisation of the principle
components will be performed by NanoSIMS 50L.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to explore developing this program through other
techniques and collaborations.
Main duties
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To perform detailed characterisation (mineralogy, chemical, elemental and isotopic
composition) of a range carbonaceous chondrites using a range of appropriate tools.
To study the relationships between mineralogy, chemistry and isotopic composition of the
principle components and variations between the different populations.
To write papers on the research and publish them in peer-reviewed journals and present
findings at international conferences and workshops.
To carry out administrative tasks associated with the work
Challenges and opportunities
This project offers the opportunity to develop
 New skills in mineralogy and isotope geochemistry applicable at the sub-micron scale
 An interdisciplinary understanding of Solar System formation.
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Experience in a range of analytical techniques used in cosmochemistry
An opportunity to develop a good portfolio of published research in cosmochemistry
3. Person specification
Essential
 Completed PhD in geochemistry, planetary mineralogy, cosmochemistry or closely related
subject.
 Experience of chemical, elemental or isotopic analysis of geo-materials.
 Good communication skills (oral & written).
Desirable
 Experience with analytical electron microscopy,
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Experience with SIMS particularly isotope ratio measurements
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Experience with laser Raman spectroscopy.
Detailed knowledge of extra-terrestrial materials and early Solar System processes.
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Experience in publication of papers.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
Faculty of Science
The Faculty has a staff of about 310, 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
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Earth Sciences
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
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Brain & Behavioural Sciences
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Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
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Human Biology
Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
 Physics
 Planetary & Space Sciences
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports a broad-based Natural Sciences programme. Within this
there are 5 undergraduate discipline-based pathways; Life Sciences, Health Sciences,
Chemistry and Analytical Science, earth and environmental sciences, and Physical
Science.
At post-graduate level, the Faculty supports an MSc programme which currently has
several strands including Science Studies, Earth Science, Frontiers in Medical Science,
and Health Physics.
The Faculty also supports foundation degrees in Health Sciences (including paramedic
and operating theatre practice) and Analytical Science.
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Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics
that brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas
through three major research groupings:
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The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Biomedical Research Network (BRN)
Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics
(eSTEeM)
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to
find solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of
Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly
developing in response to external research opportunities.
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 extraterrestrial 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
eSTEeM (http://www.open.ac.uk/about/teaching-and-learning/esteem/ ) is an
initiative to bring together academics within Science and the Faculty of Maths,
Computing and Technology to develop new approaches to teaching and learning.
This centre builds on existing collaborations developed within the Centres for
Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs) based at the OU and with other
Faculties, aiming to embed new approaches around priority areas such as eassessment, online experimentation, etc.
Further information on the Faculty can be found on our website at
http://www8.open.ac.uk/science/main/.
Department of Physical Sciences
Head of Department: Professor Monica Grady
The Department of Physical Sciences (DPS) is a lively and innovative department of
around 150 staff and postgraduate research students drawn from across the globe.
DPS has grown from the merger of the former Department of Physics and Astronomy
with the Planetary and Space Sciences Research Institute and the Planetary Surfaces
Group from the former Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.
The Department comprises three Disciplines:
Astronomy (Head: Dr Stephen Serjeant)
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Physics (Head: Professor Nick Braithwaite)
Planetary and Space Sciences (Head: Professor Ian Wright)
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. There are several research groups lead by staff in DPS including the Centre for
Electronic Imaging (CEI), the Cold Atoms Group, the Cosmochemistry Research Group
(CRG), the Exoplanets Group and the Planetary Surfaces and Atmospheres Group
(GASP).
The Department enjoys full use of CEPSAR’s exceptionally well equipped research
facilities and has an unparalleled suite of analytical instrumentation in modern
laboratories on campus; this is complemented by the regular use of multi-national
facilities such as the Diamond synchrotron, the European Southern Observatory, the
Hubble Space Telescope, the Herschel Space Observatory, the James Clerk Maxwell
Telescope, and many other facilities.
The Department’s teaching is mainly within the Physical Science curriculum, with
additional significant contributions to the Geoscience strand. DPS are also major drivers
of the Science Faculty’s flagship introductory science course, Exploring Science (S104),
and its new second level practical science courses, Practical science: physics and
astronomy (SXP288) and Practical science: Earth and environment (SXG288).
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 Iain Gilmour by email to i.gilmour@open.ac.uk .
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
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Short application form
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CV
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List of publications
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 23 February 2012
Post it to:
Name/Job title:
Michelle Duke, Recruitment Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Faculty of Science
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Address:
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
Or e-mail your application to: science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Prof Monica Grady. The other members of the
interview panel will be Dr Iain Gilmour and Dr Ian Franchi. Interviews will take place on Friday
2 March 2012.
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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January 2010
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