Overview

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH) is part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for integrated research in terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems and their interaction with the atmosphere. Working in partnership with the research community, policy makers, industry and society, CEH undertakes cutting edge research to deliver world class solutions to the most complex environmental challenges facing humankind. CEH has an annual turnover of £35 million, and employs staff across four sites; the headquarters is at Wallingford with further sites at Bangor, Edinburgh and Lancaster.
About the role
The NERC Research Associates’ Programme is an initiative which is intended to offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within a Research Institute, whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills that will be valuable in a range of careers.

We are offering a comprehensive 3-year Research Associate traineeship in Freshwater Ecology within the Freshwater Ecology Group. You will be given extensive one-to-one training from a range of experts in the field of freshwater ecology and will also benefit from a more formal training programme designed to develop your specific skills in field survey techniques (e.g. boat and shoreline survey techniques) and monitoring systems for lakes and rivers. Your training programme will contribute to high profile research projects including the Loch Leven long-term monitoring programme, whole lake experimental manipulation studies, national scale river and estuarine monitoring campaigns, and large multi-national collaborative projects.

About you
You will have a 2:1 degree level within a numerate scientific subject with some element/modules of freshwater ecology or equivalent qualification is essential. It is likely that you will have an understanding of survey procedures and monitoring equipment used in lakes and rivers. You will have an understanding and experience of laboratory techniques for chemical and biological sample processing. You will have excellent attention to detail and understanding of process planning; you must also have the ability to work independently and manage your own time effectively. You must be willing to manage a busy laboratory and maintain and operate small research boats in lakes and estuaries. It is essential that you have good IT and numeracy skills. You must possess a full driving licence.
Eligibility to apply

To work for CEH, you must be eligible to live and work in the UK without the requirement for a work permit. CEH can only apply for a work permit in cases where there are no suitably qualified or experienced resident workers; otherwise applicants should normally be resident in the UK or a national of the European Union.

Applications are handled by the UK SBS; to apply please visit our job board at https://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc240051_6969.aspx please ensure that you complete an application form as CVs will not be accepted as a standalone. The form should be uploaded via the “My Account” menu option on the “Jobs Home” page. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867000, please quote reference number IRC240051.

Closing Date: 5th March 2017

Interview Date: 30th March 2017