We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join our NERC-funded project, “LITHO-FLUCHS: A toolbox for constraining lithospheric-to-grainscale controls on fluid-rock interactions in Peridotite-Hosted Hydrothermal Systems (PHHSs)”.
Project Overview
LITHO-FLUCHS aims to constrain how deformation, magmatism, and fluid-rock interactions in PHHSs control the uptake and/or release of H, C, and S. Focus is directed towards the controls of PHHS fluid properties in the deep lithospheric roots of oceanic core complexes (OCCs). This will be achieved through micro-scale analyses (this vaccancy) of drill-core samples collected from the Atlantis Massif OCC during IODP Expedition 399 (Lang et al. 2025; ), combined with numerical modelling of PHHSs.
About the role
You will combine quantitative petrographic and petrological techniques (SEM-QEDS) with state-of-the-art, in-situ, trace element and isotope micro-mapping and spot/traverse analyses (fs-LIBS, Vitesse-TOF-ICP-MS, and Neoma-LA-MS/MS-MC-ICP-MS) to quantify spatial and temporal variations of fluid properties with respect to deformation and magmatism within the Atlantis Massif OCC. These analyses will yield a new and fundamentally ground-breaking understanding of the controls of fluid properties in PHHSs, and how those controls dictate H2-production, CO2-uptake, and metal-sulphide mineralization.
You will join our multidisciplinary team of LITHO-FLUCHS investigators consisting of;
* Dr Andy Parsons (Project Lead & Line Manager; microstructural analyses, OCCs, tectonics; Plymouth)
* Dr Michelle Harris (petrology, mid-ocean ridge hydrothermal systems; Plymouth)
* Sandra Piazolo (deformation processes, micro-analytical techniques; University of Leeds)
* Dr Ivan Savov (petrology and isotope geochemistry, PHHSs; Leeds)
* Postdoctoral Researcher (numerical modelling; Leeds)
* Associated postgraduate research students.
You will work closely with us and our external collaborators (Dr. Samuele Agostini, Prof. Alberto Zanetti, CNR-Pisa, Italy; Dr Craig Storey; Univeristy of Portsmouth) to develop new analytical methods for in-situ analyses of fluid mobile trace elements and isotopes (B, Sr, Li, Cl, F). Additionally, you will work collaboratively with our other LITHO-FLUCHS post-doctoral researcher (Leeds), providing quantitivate datasets as inputs for their numerical modelling of PHHSs. This will include extended periods of time spent at analytical facilities at CNR-Pisa, Leeds, and Portsmouth.
This is a fixed-term position for 2 years due to the nature of the funding.
What we’re looking for
The role requires:
* Essential specialist analytical experience and understanding of isotope geochemistry and petrography with a proven ability to integrate analytical datasets from different techniques and scales.
* The ability to travel and conduct research in multiple locations across the UK and Europe is essential.
* Complementary understanding of hydrothermal systems, OCCs, grain-scale deformation processes, and/or magmatism in oceanic settings is desirable.
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Andy Parsons by email at:
Due to the nature of the role, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate working from home.
About us
At the University of Plymouth, you will join a vibrant, multidisciplinary community of researchers within the Geoscience and Geochemistry research groups, in the School of Geography, Earth, & Environmental Sciences (SoGEES), Faculty of Science and Engineering (FoSE). The role includes opportunities for research and career development training and to present your research findings at international conferences. Your research will also contribute to the wider aims and objectives of IODP Expedition 399 (>40 researchers, >12 countries), providing you with unique opportunities to participate in IODP-led research initiatives and develop your research identity and network within a thriving, cross-disciplinary multi-national research community.
For more information about the School of Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at
Application Process
Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Our Offer
We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility:
* Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On-site nursery
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed .
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is building an inclusive and equitable university where everyone feels represented, supported, and empowered to thrive. Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion is guided by the Inclusive Institutions Framework, a strategic and externally validated approach that embeds these principles across the entire institution. To find out more please visit our