The Laboratory for Isotope Geology (LIG) at the Swedish Museum of Natural History invites applications for a postdoctoral research assistant to work in the Nordsim ion microprobe facility. The Nordsim facility is equipped with a Cameca IMS1270 secondary ionisation mass spectrometer (SIMS) that is routinely used for a range of applications including U-Pb geochronology, stable isotope and trace element geochemistry. This instrument will be upgraded to an IMS1280 during 2008. Nordsim functions as an infrastructure facility within the Nordic earth sciences community and also provides limited access to non-Nordic users via the EU's SYNTHESYS programme. In addition to the IMS1270, LIG is equipped with a recently refurbished clean chemical laboratory, a multicollector ICP-MS (GVI Isoprobe) with laser ablation (New Wave UPS213) capability, and two multicollector TIMS instruments (a Finnigan MAT261 and a Thermo Triton).

The successful candidate may propose their own research within the broad field of SIMS applications in the earth and planetary sciences. Other instrumentation at LIG will be available to complement this as necessary. Additionally they will be expected to assist with some of the day-to-day operation of the facility and hosting of external users.

The position is for two years. Requirements include a recent Ph.D. in geochemistry or cosmochemistry with a strong analytical component involving mass spectrometry and isotope ratio determination. Previous experience with SIMS is an advantage.

When applying, please include the following: (1) university transcripts; (2) CV with list of publications; (3) name and contact details for three references; (4) statement of interest and proposed research.

Further enquiries and applications should be made to Martin Whitehouse (e-mail martin.whitehouse@nrm.se) and/or Per Andersson (e-mail per.andersson@nrm.se), Laboratory for Isotope Geology, Swedish Museum of Natural History, Box 50007, 104 05 Stockholm, Sweden. tel: +46 8 519 540 00.

Review of applications will commence 1 March 2008 and continue until the position is filled. Start date is negotiable but preferably during late spring 2008.