Applications are invited for two, three-year Research Associates that form part of a new collaborative research programme, based at the University of Manchester and Imperial College London, working on rift tectonics and sedimentation, led by Dr Chris Jackson (Imperial College London) and Professor Rob Gawthorpe (University of Manchester) and funded by StatoilHydro. The positions will be split between the two research institutes, with one PDRA/PhD pair based at Imperial College and one pair at Manchester University. This is an opportunity to join a team of researchers in two of the United Kingdom's leading Earth Science Schools and to work closely with industry.

Models of normal fault growth have been largely derived from outcrop and subsurface and modelling studies of relatively simple, basement-involved normal faulting. Some differences in fault growth models, for example, radial propagation vs. rapid attainment of segment length, have been ascribed to basement reactivation or inheritance. Furthermore, this process of fault array evolution explains many of the first order features observed in sediment supply, sediment transport pathways and gross depositional environments within rift basins. In contrast our subsurface and discrete element modelling studies suggest markedly different fault growth histories and structural style may be related to the heterogeneity of the cover succession, and particularly where the cover contains weak units composed of mudstone or salt. This three-year project will examine rift tectonics and sedimentation on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, focusing on rift basin structural style and evolution and the rift-climax sedimentary response in areas influenced by salt within the pre-Jurassic cover stratigraphy. A key part of the project will involve close interaction with StatoilHydro personnel which will be achieved by researchers undertaking placements within key StatoilHydro offices in Norway. In addition, close collaboration between the Imperial College and Manchester strands of the project will be achieved by regular workshops.

For Research Associates positions you will have a PhD degree or expect to graduate with a PhD degree (or equivalent) with a strong research background in sedimentology and/or structural geology and an interest in multidisciplinary basin research. Experience of 3D seismic interpretation is desirable.

For PhD Scholarships applications are invited from candidates with at least an upper second class BSc (or equivalent) or an MSc (or equivalent) from relevant geoscience degree programmes. During the PhD program, the researchers will gain skills in seismic interpretation and visualisation, wireline and core analysis and will also gain practical experience of working within the petroleum industry. Due to restrictions of the grant, the PhD Scholarships are only open to UK and European graduates who qualify for 'home' UK fees.

Further information about the project can be obtained from Dr Christopher Jackson (e-mail: c.jackson@imperial.ac.uk) or Professor Rob Gawthorpe (e-mail: rob.gawthorpe@manchester.ac.uk).

How to apply: Note that a centralised application procedure is in place that will cover postdoctoral and PhD positions based in both London and Manchester, with all applications being received in Manchester.

For Research Associate positions:

Applications, comprising a covering letter, application form & curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees, should be sent to HR Office, Faculty of Engineering & Physical Sciences, Room B9, Sackville Street Building, Sackville Street, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. E-mail: eps-hr@manchester.ac.uk; Tel. +44 (0)161 306 5897

Application forms and further particulars are available from the University of Manchester website www.manchester.ac.uk/jobs

If you are unable to go online you can request a hard copy of the details from The Directorate of Human Resources, Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences, Tel: +44 (0) 161 275 8837, Email: eps-hr@manchester.ac.uk

Please quote EPS/81196. If you have a preference for which institute you wish to be placed in please state this in your covering letter.

Closing date: 31 October 2008.

For PhD Scholarships:

Applications, comprising a covering letter, curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees, should be sent to Mr Michael Atherton, Senior Recruitment & Admissions Officer, Room 1.04, Williamson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK. If you have a preference for which institute you wish to be placed in please state this in your covering letter.

Email: michael.atherton@manchester.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0) 161 275 0776

Closing date: 31 October 2008.