The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. Our Science Facilities & Support group is seeking an Analytical Chemist, with analytical laboratory skills, for a 13-month fixed term appointment starting in October 2012 (to cover Maternity Leave) to support our ice core palaeoclimate projects.
The BAS Chemistry and Past Climate science programme addresses questions about the major climate changes of the past using data from ice cores. These are collected from Antarctica for processing and chemical analysis in the ice core laboratories in Cambridge.
The main chemical analyses are carried out using Dionex Ion Chromatographs, and a Continuous Flow Analysis system developed at BAS. Together with other analyses on the ice carried out off-site at collaborating institutes, the chemical analyses allow us to derive palaeoclimate and palaeoenvironmental information spanning centuries (for our shallower cores) up to more than 100 kyrs for our deepest cores.
The main duty for this post will involve using the suite of Ion Chromatographs to measure the bulk chemistry of discrete samples cut from the ice core, specifically a range of anions and cations derived from marine and continental sources. You will have an affinity with modern instrumentation, and the desire to maintain the instruments in optimum working order.
The second method of chemical analysis used at BAS is the Continuous Flow Analysis system which takes a section of the core, and melts it on a hot plate, passing the liquid through a series of liquid streams where reagents are added to develop chromaphores for analysis on a range of visible and UV spectrometers, and an ICP-MS. You will provide assistance to the chemist responsible for this system
In addition, you will assist with the processing of the ice cores in the cold rooms here at BAS, working in temperatures of around -20°C, and help with the routine maintenance of the laboratories.
Based in Cambridge, this role offers the chance to work as part of a world-class research team in a stimulating scientific environment. That’s why you must have either a good first degree in Chemistry or an equivalent subject where chemistry was a major component. Preference will be given to candidates with a proven ability and post-graduate experience in analytical chemistry. As this position involves working in the BAS cold rooms, applicants should be physically capable and medically fit to work in these conditions.
Qualifications: First degree in Chemistry or an equivalent subject where chemistry was a major component.
Duration: Fixed Term Appointment - 13 months Maternity Cover
Salary: Salary will be in the range of £19,540 to £23,150 per annum. We offer a generous benefits package including a defined salary pension scheme, free car parking, flexible working hours and 30 days annual leave.
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment
These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508
Please quote reference: BAS 79/12
Closing date for receipt of application forms: 12th August 2012
Interviews are scheduled to be held: w/c 27th August 2012
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.
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