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Applications are invited for a Research Associate to join the MAss Spectrometry and Isotope Geochemistry Group at Imperial College London (MAGIC) within the Department of Earth Science & Engineering.

The primary objective of the research is to develop, apply and document novel analytical methods that employ stable isotopes for the detection of engineered nanomaterials in complex natural and experimental systems. To this end, the research project involves:

* Preparation of ZnO and CeO2 nanoparticles that are labelled with enriched stable isotopes
* Development, validation and application of techniques for Zn and Ce isotope analyses of various geological, biological and anthropogenic materials
* Evaluation of the results in view of developing optimized methodologies for isotopic tracing of engineered ZnO and CeO2 nanomaterials
* Rapid dissemination of the findings at conferences and in articles published in high quality refereed journals

The post is funded by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council as part of the PROSPECT programme, which aims to further our understanding of the impact of engineered nanomaterials on humans and the environment. PROSPECT is an inter-disciplinary research project that involves research partners from both academia and industry, with funding from DEFRA, EPSRC and the TSB. The programme provides the UK contribution to the global safety assessment of nanomaterials, which is coordinated by the OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN).

To achieve the goals of the project, the successful candidate will collaborate closely with other team members at MAGIC, including academic staff, Research Associates and PhD students. The candidate will also collaborate with the academic and industrial partners of the PROSPECT consortium within the UK and the OECD WPMN worldwide.

Applicants should possess a PhD (or equivalent) in Earth Science, Isotope Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or a related field. Experience in inorganic mass spectrometry (particularly MC-ICPMS) and the ability to develop novel laboratory methods is desirable.

Our preferred method of application is online via our website at the following link: http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/employment (select "Job Search" and enter the job reference no EN20100201). Please complete and upload an application form as directed and submit any other relevant supporting documents such as your full CV.

Informal inquiries about the position can be made to Dr Mark Rehkamper markrehk@imperial.ac.uk.

Background information on the host research groups can be found at http://www3.imperial.ac.uk/earthscienceandengineering/research/magic.

Should you have any queries regarding the application process please contact Mrs Darakshan Khan by email to: d.khan@imperial.ac.uk

Closing date: 25 October 2010