Research methods:
To constrain how deformation history controls geothermal and mineral resources, you will integrate field-based analyses of outcrops representing analogues of critical metal-transporting geothermal systems with laboratory analyses of borehole samples and geophysics from active, subsurface, lithium-bearing geothermal systems:
- Fieldwork, including drone-based photogrammetry, will constrain 3D structural characteristics and deformation history from analogue outcrops.
- State-of-the-art electron microscopy and geochronology (SEM [4], LA-ICP-MS [5]) will constrain and cross-correlate sequences and timing of deformation events in outcrop and borehole samples, tying them to the wider deformation history.
- Integration of the above with borehole geophysics will reveal which structures and deformation events correlate with measured zones of high/low fluid-flow, to constrain their controls on active critical metal-transporting geothermal systems.
Training & CASE partnership:
We will train you in all analytical techniques to research and industry standards. This will include a 3-month CASE partnership placement at Cornish Lithium’s central office in Cornwall. You will develop essential transferable skills including data analysis and interpretation, science communication, and research management, suited to careers in academia and industry, particularly for the Energy Transition.
Person specification:
We seek motivated individuals interested in Earth Sciences with a desire to develop expertise in field-to-laboratory-based analytical techniques. Fieldwork can be adapted for candidates with accessibility requirements.
Information about the University of Plymouth and CASE partner Cornish Lithium:
The candidate will join vibrant and growing Fluid–Rock Interaction community at the
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SoGEES), University of Plymouth. Supervisors Dr Andy Parsons and Dr Michelle Harris maintain an open-door policy for research students. Supervision is tailored to the candidate’s needs and preferences, combining regular informal updates with scheduled meetings and reporting. Previous and current postgraduate researchers typically favour fortnightly meetings, supplemented by informal drop-ins when needed. Periodic meetings with the full supervisory team will ensure the candidate develops a collaborative relationship with external supervisors.
Within SoGEES, the candidate will become part of a thriving, multidisciplinary postgraduate community. Their immediate research group meets regularly to discuss terrestrial and marine hydrothermal systems. The candidate will join the Geoscience and Geochemistry research groups, which connect Earth, environment, geography and chemistry expertise, including postgraduate students, postdoctoral researchers, lecturers and professors. Shared postgraduate office space provides a collegial workplace with opportunities for interaction, collaboration, and mutual support.
Cornish Lithium is a modern, dynamic, minerals exploration organization with a diverse community of geoscientists and engineers. During the 3-month CASE placement, the candidate will work alongside specialists from across the organisation, gaining valuable industrial experience. Additional funding from Cornish Lithium will support the candidate while working and living in the beautiful region of southwest Cornwall.
Further information:
Interested candidates are encouraged to contact
Dr Andrew Parsons to discuss further details of the research project and application process.
References:
2. Brabin, J. T., Glover, P. W. J., Torvela, T. M., Green, C. M., Shail, R. K., and Yeomans, C.: Developing methods for the location and characterisation of Li-bearing geothermal waters in Cornwall, EGU General Assembly 2025, Vienna, Austria, 27 Apr–2 May 2025, EGU25-6979, https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-egu25-6979, 2025.
3. Yeomans, Shail, Eyre 2020. The importance of tectonic inheritance and reactivation in geothermal energy exploration for EGS resources in SW England. Proceedings World Geothermal Congress 2020, Reykjavik, Iceland, April 26 – May 2, 2020. https://hdl.handle.net/10871/123170
4. Connolly, J., Anderson, M., Mottram, C., Price, G.D., Parrish, R. and Sanderson, D., 2024. Using U–Pb carbonate dating to constrain the timing of extension and fault reactivation within the Bristol Channel Basin, SW England. Journal of the Geological Society, 181(5), https://doi.org/10.1144/jgs2024-02.
5. Parsons, A. et al., 2025. Lithological heterogeneity controls high-temperature ductile deformation and late melt infiltration in moderately-magmatic OCCs. EarthArXiv eprints, p.X5VN0Q, https://doi.org/10.31223/x5vn0q.
Eligibility
Acceptable first degree subject(s): 2:1 in an Earth Science related BSc programme.
If your first language is not English, you will need to meet the minimum English requirements for the programme, IELTS Academic score of 6.5 (with no less than 5.5 in each component test area) or equivalent.
ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI
terms and conditions. Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend £21,805 p.a. for 2026/27 (2027/28 TBC) and a research training and support grant (RTSG).
A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university.
Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
NB: The studentship is supported for 3.5 years of the four-year registration period. The subsequent 6 months of registration is a self-funded ‘writing-up’ period.
Working part-time while receiving a stipend at the University of Plymouth is generally permitted, provided it does not conflict with the terms of your funding or visa requirements.
- Full-time jobs cannot be held alongside a full-time stipend.
- International students are generally limited to 20 hours of work per week.
If you wish to discuss this project further informally, please contact
Dr Andrew Parsons.
The closing date for applications is 16 December 2026.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview after the deadline. We regret that we may not be able to respond to all applications. Applicants who have not received a response within six weeks of the closing date should consider their application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.
University of Plymouth
Cornish Lithium
Camborne School of Mines
University of Portsmouth