Overview

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology is an independent, not-for-profit research institute carrying out excellent environmental science across water, land and air.  At UKCEH there are various career paths open to first-class scientists and support staff.  We have around 500 scientists and students supported by experts in the fields of IT, commercialisation, finance, communications and HR based across four sites (Wallingford, Bangor, Edinburgh and Lancaster).  Our world class research is delivered via state-of-the-art laboratories, controlled environment facilities and unique monitoring sites across many different habitat types.  Our students and employees gain from working in a stimulating environment incorporating multidisciplinary research that is enriched through our international collaborations with many universities and institutes.

For further information, please visit the UKCEH Website.

Research Associate, Environmental Ecologist
Full Time (37 hours per week)
£31,200
Based at UKCEH Edinburgh, Bush Estate, Penicuik, EH26 0QB
Fixed Term for 3 Years
Closing date for applications 28th March 2021
Interviews to be held on 9th April 2021

To develop a leading role in the air pollution effects based research for the Atmospheric Composition and Effects science area. The role will include continuing long-term field experiments to monitor and assess pollution effects on lichens, mosses, higher plant and habitat health.  The role will support national and international research projects and will actively develop new proposals.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Your role will include:

  • Assess and quantify impacts of N pollution on the environment
  • Conduct species surveys – including lichens, mosses, higher plants.  For effects work, and long-term ecosystem monitoring.
  • Apply expertise in understanding pollution effects – for example foliar and soil chemistry changes, secondary impacts, eutrophication, acidification, abiotic stress responses etc.
  • Ecophysiology measurement techniques of plant health and gas exchange – for example stomatal conductance, reflectance indices, gas exchange, fluorescence.
  • Project and Task management to conduct national and international research
  • Data processing and analysis of ecological data
  • Working with the Environmental Information Data Centre to make data available to the wider community
  • Writing journal papers and reports
  • Develop research ideas and prepare proposals within the effects sciences

Over the 3 years you will gain skills in:

The research associate will have gained in depth skills in the field of impacts of air quality, including enhancing and expanding their understanding in ecophysiology measurements and monitoring. Furthermore it is the expectation that the post will learn research project proposal development, project administration and management. The post will learn cross-disciplinary science application of the effects research; learning how the effects monitoring will be included into UKCEH models and interpretation (Plan dependent on candidate capabilities), Project and task management and delivery skills.

Skills and Knowledge Required

Knowledge and Qualifications

  • A good degree in an appropriate subject. E.g. Environmental Sciences, Botanical sciences
  • PhD or equivalent experience in botany, ecology, environmental/natural science.

Experience/Proven abilities related to the position

  • Strong track record for field based research, with a good understanding of ecophysiology and/or ecosystem dynamics.
  • Good understanding of plant functional processes.
  • Plant and soil chemistry techniques, laboratory experience and instrumentation
  • Data analysis using R, excel and statistical software
  • Published research papers or equivalent

Skills

  • Ability to operate and maintain field and/or laboratory instrumentation for effects research.
  • Understanding of the importance and the production of accurate protocols and procedures.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Excellent organisation skills with a high attention to detail

Core Behaviours & Values

  • You will demonstrate a commitment to promote and adhere to UKCEH values of Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork.

Other Requirements

  • Full UK driving licence
  • Overseas Travel
  • Year round UK field work

Desirable Skills

  • Ecophysiology measurement techniques of plant health and gas exchange.
  • Lichen and moss identification skills
  • Data analysis and handling skills, including experience in modern computing environments such as R or similar.
  • Experience of interacting with policy makers, NGOs and other stakeholders
  • Understanding of the linkage between effects and atmospheric composition monitoring and requirements for modelling.
  • Setting up, operating and data analysis of meteorological and atmospheric composition instrumentation
  • Proven good practice in Health and Safety in field and laboratories in the UK and overseas
  • Statistical analysis of complex botanical datasets
  • Experience or understanding of bioremediation, biomonitoring and ecological recovery.
  • Understanding of air pollution critical levels and loads.
  • Experience of successful experimental design

What we offer

To find out the benefits of working with UKCEH, please follow the link  below for a summary.  https://www.ceh.ac.uk/sites/default/files/UKCEH-Terms-and-Conditions-Summary.pdf

About the Research Associate Programme

The initial appointment for Research Associates will normally be for a three-year term, however they are able to apply internally for permanent vacancies at any time. Subject to the Research Associate’s performance and long term skills needs within their Science Area, appointments may be reviewed and considered for open ended positions. There is an expectation that RA will be appointed at the bottom of the salary scale and will automatically progress to the next pay point at the anniversary of their appointment

How to Apply

To apply for this position, click the link below. As well as a CV, please provide a covering letter detailing why you may be suitable for the role.