Postdoctoral Researcher

Are you interested in working on a unique geological dataset to understand the evolution of one of the most enigmatic volcanoes? We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to work on the igneous petrology and geochemistry of rocks from Mount Paektu and associated its basaltic volcanism. Paektu/Changbaishan borders the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK, the formal name for North Korea) and China. The work is funded by the Richard Lounsbery Foundation. You will be part of a larger team, working with colleagues in the UK (University of Cambridge), DPRK and China and will work within the Mount Paektu Research Centre (MPRC), Department of Earth and Planetary Science working closely with Dr Eleanor Jennings and Prof. James Hammond. We have a pre-existing collection of magmatic products from Mt. Paektu and associated volcanic vents that are typically more primitive than the main volcano. Many, but not all, of these samples, have previously been subject to various analyses. The analytical data is currently preliminary and incomplete. You will work with the unpublished dataset, identify data gaps and to carry out new analytical work needed to fully understand this magmatic system and the relationship between the various vents and the main volcano. This includes whole-rock, SEM and EPMA sample characterisation, and isotopic measurements including Ar-Ar dating. You will liaise with external facilities to coordinate the required laboratory analyses, travelling as needed. This is an excellent opportunity to work with rocks from unstudied volcanic vents in the context of a major international collaboration to develop our understanding of the origin and evolution of the broader magmatic system of Paektu volcano.