Next Generation LA-ICP-MS Geoscience:

Application details:
Reference number: CENTA18-LU9
Start date: October 1st 2019
Closing date: January 21st 2019
Interview date: Week beginning February 11th 2019
Supervisors:
Primary supervisor: Dr Amy Managh (Loughborough University)
Secondary supervisor: Dr Jim Reynolds (Loughborough University)
Secondary supervisor: Dr Matthew Horstwood (British Geological Survey)
Secondary supervisor: Dr Ciaran O’Connor (Elemental Scientific Lasers)
Intro:
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/
Project Detail:
This project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between the Chemistry Department at Loughborough University and the British Geological Survey (BGS), which seeks to apply state-of-the-art laser ablation technology to address challenges in the geosciences. The laser ablation technology will be coupled to a variety of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) at both Loughborough University and BGS. A range of materials (e.g. carbonates, phosphates, silicates) and applications (e.g. U-series and U-Th-Pb geochronology) will be studied, demonstrating the applicability of the technique for accurate quantification and mapping at 1 µm resolution. The extent and effect of matrix effects on data accuracy will be considered, along with full uncertainty quantification. New data handling methods will also be developed, providing the student with proficiency in statistical packages, such as R, Matlab and/or similar platforms.

The successful applicant will have an interest in both the technical and geological aspects of the project and will display a willingness to collaborate with our industrial partner, Elemental Scientific Lasers. This collaboration may include visits to their Huntingdon (UK) or Bozeman (USA) sites. Prior knowledge and experience of elemental analysis is considered advantageous, however training in the operation of the equipment and data handling will be provided during the PhD.
Find out more:
For further information on this project, please see the main CENTA website (http://www.centa.org.uk/) or contact Dr Amy Managh ([Email Address Removed]) or Dr Matthew Horstwood ([Email Address Removed]).
Entry requirements:
Applicants will normally need to hold, or expect to gain, at least a 2:1 degree (or equivalent) in Chemistry, Geoscience or other appropriate scientific discipline. A Master’s degree and/or experience in an area associated with the research will be an advantage.
Funding information:
The studentship is for 3.5 years and is intended to start in October 2019. The studentship provides a tax free stipend of £14,777 per annum (in 2018/19) for the duration of the studentship plus tuition fees at the UK/EU rate (£4,260 in 2018/19) and a research training support grant of £8,000. Please note that due to restrictions imposed by the funder only students with a UK/EU fee status will be considered for this position. Further guidance about eligibility is available at UKRI Terms and Conditions: https://www.ukri.org/funding/information-for-award-holders/grant-terms-and-conditions/
Contact details:
Name: Dr Amy Managh
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 222556
How to apply:
To apply:
1. Complete a CENTA studentship application form in Word format (available from http://www.centa.org.uk/apply/ or here: http://www.centa.org.uk/media/1202/centa-studentship-application-form.docx).
2. All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select “Chemistry”.

During the online application process, upload the CENTA studentship application form as a supporting document:
http://www.centa.org.uk/media/1202/centa-studentship-application-form.docx

Please quote CENTA18-LU9 when completing your online application.