Research Fellow - AR3356

Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Nicola Allison on a NERC-funded project entitled "The impact of amorphous calcium carbonate precursor phases on CaCO3 palaeoproxies". The primary duties will be to identify the conditions under which amorphous calcium carbonates likely form in marine calcifiers and then to determine how formation, via an amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) precursor, influences the palaeoproxy chemistry of calcite and aragonite. The successful applicant will conduct CaCO3 precipitations to characterise the fluid environment required to form and convert ACC to aragonite and calcite in vitro under simulated organism calcification conditions. They will visualise ACC formation and transformation using transmission electron microscopy. They will analyse the trace element and isotope geochemistry of the mineral phases formed via an ACC precursor to refine palaeoproxy calibrations. The postholder will work closely with collaborators at the University of St Andrews, and the University of Edinburgh and will contribute to data analysis, publication of results, presentation at scientific conferences, and the supervision of student researchers where appropriate.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in earth, physical, chemical or biological sciences with expertise in mineral precipitation, trace element/isotope geochemistry or electron microscopy.

The post is available for 42 months starting 4.1.27 or as soon as possible thereafter.

For further information and informal enquiries, please contact Dr Nicola Allison at [email protected]

In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews:

Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)

Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with a generous employer contribution of 14.5%

A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance

Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services

Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel

Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme

* 34 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions

Closing date: 13 November 2026

Interview date: w/c 7 December 2026

Ref no: AR3356RS

School of Earth & Environmental Science

Salary: £38,784 - £42,254 pa

Start date: 4 January 2027 or as soon as possible thereafter

Full time

• Fixed term: Until 30 June 2030
• School/Unit: School of Earth & Environmental Sciences
• Posted: 16/10/2026
• Closing date: 13/11/2026
• Closing time: 23:59 (GMT)