A position is available for a research associate in the Department of Earth and Environmental Science following the successful award of a NERC funded project into the genesis of hypogene karst in the Lower Carboniferous Limestone of the Derbyshire Platform, UK. This is a collaborative project between University of Manchester, University of Bristol and the British Geological Survey (BGS). The project duration is 27 months (1st April 2022 – 30th June 2024).
Hypogene karst forms from upward-flowing fluids within limestone terrains and is often dominated by non-stratabound pipes and caverns. Where present, it has a significant influence on subsurface fluid flow, but despite forming a major component of the World’s largest cave networks, the genesis of hypogene caverns is poorly understood. This project aims to improve our knowledge and understanding of hypogene cave formation by coupling expertise in carbonate geoscience, speleology, hydrogeology, reactive transport modelling, and extensive geoscience databases held at the BGS. It focuses on constraining the geological and hydro-geochemical conditions in which hypogene caves form by characterization of a range of non-stratabound caverns within Lower Carboniferous (Upper Viséan) limestone of the Derbyshire Platform, UK and assessing the factors governing their genesis on the basis of their geological relationships and geochemistry. These observations and conceptual models will be developed in parallel with process-based modelling of hypogene karst formation alongside 3D simulations of heat and fluid flow, to be conducted by our project partners at University of Bristol. In totality, we aim to fully evaluate a range of conceptual models that can be used to interpret hypogene cavern formation.
The Lower Carboniferous Limestone (LCL) is currently being assessed as a source of low enthalpy geothermal heat to UK conurbations. The data and models generated in this study should ultimately be used to assess the impact of caverns on modern day fluid flow and heat flux, and help mitigate risks to geothermal production. Project outcomes will also be of relevance to gas storage, carbon sequestration and near-surface geohazard prediction in the UK and globally.
The purpose of this position is to undertake all geological analysis associated with non-stratabound, presumed hypogene caverns on the Derbyshire Platform, and will have four main components:
As this role involves research at a postgraduate level, applicants who are not an EEA national or a national of an exempt country and who will require sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route of the UK Visas and Immigration’s (UKVI) Points Based System in order to take up the role, will be required to apply for an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) Certificate and will need to obtain this prior to making any official visa application UKVI..
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit. http://www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof Cathy Hollis
Email: cathy.hollis@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People-od.operations@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria
