IMPORTANT: This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders. Other applicants need not apply.
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. You will work on highly topical research projects, both important for future research within the environmental research community and appropriate to their backgrounds. As a Research Associate you will be given specific, measurable objectives which will be intended to develop your skills as a researcher and to demonstrate your suitability for a research career.
We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed field scientist to work with hydrologists, nutrient chemists and ecologists in the Hydrological Processes research group based at our Wallingford site. The focus of the role will be to support a wide portfolio of environmental research with a strong emphasis on process understanding and the provision of evidence through observational science. Through supporting the work of CEH scientists, external collaborators and research students you will have many opportunities to develop your interests. Many of our current projects are inspired by the idea of working with natural processes and in particular, the topical theme of natural flood management. The primary roles of this post will be to:
- co-ordinate measurement and monitoring campaigns of conditions and processes in rivers wetlands and lakes, using a variety of sensors, loggers and sampling equipment
- undertake laboratory analysis of water, soils and sediment samples
- undertake quality control of data, manage databases and perform basic analyses
- work with collaborators to help develop and field-test new sensors and measurement techniques for understanding hydrological and eco-hydrological processes
- assist in the production of reports and scientific papers detailing major research findings.
About you
This is a research-based role that will involve both field and laboratory-based science, so you will be expected to have a good degree (2:1) in an Environmental Science and some project-based experience of quantitative scientific work in a University or research environment; demonstrating scientific numeracy. Existing knowledge of environmental processes, particularly in hydrology, would be an advantage. The research-based nature of the role means this would be ideally suited to someone with an aptitude for embracing new approaches/technologies, self-motivated and with enthusiasm for the subject a willingness to work outdoors in all weathers.
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/irc240242_7006.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 are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867000, please quote reference number IRC240242.
Closing Date: 12th March 2017
Interview Date: 3rd April 2017
