Senior Technician - Palaeoecology (FTIR, Charcoal Analysis)

About the role

The Department of Geography at the University of Cambridge is looking for a Laboratory and Field Senior Technician (LFST) for its Conservation Palaeoecology Lab (CPL). The work centres on processing and analysing sedimentary charcoal records with Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy to reconstruct palaeofire, plus data analysis and occasional field activities. The post is funded for 12 months.

Key responsibilities

• Generate and analyse FTIR spectra data and contribute to the interpretation for research publication.
• Carry out relevant training, under the guidance of the Geography Science Laboratories Manager, to keep up with evolving techniques and technologies.
• Maintain laboratory and field equipment and keep consumables stocked, working closely with the existing CPL senior lab technician.
• Keep the laboratories safe and well maintained so they are readily accessible to researchers.

Required profile

• Experience using an FTIR machine for palaeofire reconstruction, including spectra data handling, analysis and interpretation.
• Essential experience building FTIR spectra reference libraries from plant materials and processing sediment and peat cores for macro-charcoal analysis with FTIR.
• Substantial experience applying FTIR to palaeofire temperature (intensity) reconstruction.
• Strong technical research skills in physical geography or earth science.
• Proactive interest in sustainable practices and willingness to develop new palaeoecological techniques.

Required skills

• FTIR spectroscopy operation and spectra library construction
• Sedimentary charcoal processing and macro-charcoal analysis
• Data handling, analysis and troubleshooting
• Precision, accuracy, organisation and time management

Applicants apply online through the university's recruitment system, quoting reference LC51488; interviews are expected on Friday 18 December 2026.