£23,000 per annum plus benefits
Contract: 2 year fixed term appointment

The Natural History Museum is one of the world's leading museums, internationally recognised for its dual role as a centre of excellence in scientific research and as a leader in the presentation of natural history through exhibitions, public programmes, publications and the web.

We are looking to appoint a geochemical analyst to work as a Research Assistant within the London Centre for Ore Deposits and Exploration (LODE). LODE is a joint initiative between the NHM and Imperial College, which seeks to undertake research of the highest international quality into the mineralogy and geochemistry of ore deposits. The LODE group has secured funding from industry partners for a new state of the art LA-ICP-MS analytical facility to be housed in the EMMA Division of the NHM's Mineralogy Department. The EMMA facilities are staffed by experts in analytical chemistry and geochemistry and are there to provide chemical analyses for internal researchers and users, external visitors and commercial clients.

You will be responsible for conducting mineral analyses by laser ablation inductively coupled mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), processing and compiling data in order to meet an agreed analytical schedule as part of a externally funded project. You will also be required to collecting mineral major element chemistry data using the analytical SEM also based in EMMA at the NHM. Some background knowledge of basic mineral chemistry is therefore desirable. You will be expected to manage your time to ensure the effective throughput of a large number of samples and may be expected to perform some sample preparation. The ability to follow analytical and data reduction protocols and maintain laboratory quality control systems is a requirement, and high standards of health and safety must be adhered to. The post holder may also engage in some research and the development of analytical methods as well as being involved in preparation of research proposals for further funding opportunities for the facility. You will be working with other researchers in the LODE group as well as EMMA division staff, and effective communication skills and team work will be required.

For a full job description and to apply online please visit the Natural History Museum website: www.nhm.ac.uk/jobs

Closing date: 9 May 2012.