Research Associate – Soil Molecular Ecologist

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

The post will be within the Molecular Ecology group based at CEH Wallingford. Here we are examining the effects of above ground change on soil biodiversity and associated ecosystem services across a range of projects covering multiple geographic scales. In particular you will work alongside a large NERC funded consortia project under the Soil Security Programme, led by CEH and involving a team of researchers from across the UK including molecular biologists, biogeochemists and modellers. This project will be assessing soil responses to changes in land management across the UK, but you will also have the opportunity to work alongside similar projects based in the tropics, funded under the NERC Human Modified Tropical Forest Programme.  A key area of work in these projects is the design of surveys and experiments to quantify change in soil biodiversity (microbes to fauna) using high throughput sequencing. However within these and other projects we are also exploring novel methods, for instance using metagenomic and isotopic techniques to understand the functional relevance of change in biodiversity for soil services. We are therefore wishing to train someone in any of these areas, but wish to appoint someone with specialist understanding which can complement and advance our current understanding.

Skills Required Upon Appointment

• A PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (soil, molecular ecology, ecology, biogeochemistry)
• Good lab skills and advanced aptitude for statistical and/or bioinformatic analysis
• Experience of molecular approaches to assess microbial diversity (particularly high throughput sequencing) would be a distinct advantage, but applicants with specialist skills in measuring or modelling soil functions related to ecosystem services are also encourage to apply
• Very good written and oral communication skills, evidence by publications and talks to scientific audiences
• Good team working skills, flexible research approach and the ability to develop effective internal and external collaborations within the scientific area
• Good organisational and time management skills, with an ability to work independently and to deadlines

 

Benefits

 

In addition NERC offer a public sector pension scheme, 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum. We offer a flexible and supportive working environment and will encourage your continuing professional development as part of our career support. NERC has an equal opportunities policy and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. People with disabilities and those from ethnic minorities are currently under represented and their applications are particularly welcomed. Guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities.

Applications are handled by UK SBS Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc200113_5590.aspx. Applicants who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867000. Please quote reference number IRC200113.