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.
The programme is aimed particularly at those who have recently completed postgraduate studies, but is open to individuals from other backgrounds and of all ages. Individuals will work on highly topical research projects, both important for future research within the environmental research community and appropriate to their backgrounds. Research Associates are given specific, measurable objectives which will be intended to develop their skills as a researcher and to demonstrate their suitability for a research career.
The role will be based within the Environmental Contaminants Group at CEH’s Lancaster site, located within the Lancaster Environment Centre.
About you
You will be appointed as a CEH Research Associate and thereby undertake extensive training in mathematical modelling approaches for chemicals, the application of modelling to real–world scenarios, and the effective communication of outcomes to relevant policymakers.
You will also contribute to the development and application of speciation, fate, bioavailability and risk models for manufactured nanoparticles.
You will have second degree (e.g. MSc.) in an IT-heavy subject (e.g. Scientific Computation, Computer Science), or a research degree (M.Phil, Ph.D.) in a quantitative environmental science with a strong element of modelling, ideally including model development. A degree (at least 2.1) in a scientific subject requiring numeracy and/or chemical knowledge (e.g. Chemistry, Environmental Engineering, Chemical Engineering), ideally with some element or modules of computing. IT and computer programming skills, preferably in FORTRAN (training can be provided).
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 http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc236649_6812.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 IRC236649.
Closing Date: 24th November 2016
Interview Date: 2nd December 2016
