海外

CENTRE FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY
Lancaster Environment Centre
Library Avenue
Bailrigg
Lancaster

Plant-soil Biogeochemist

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

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.

Description of work area

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed scientist to work and train as a plant-soil Biogeochemist. The post will be within the Biogeochemistry team based at CEH Lancaster.

The focus of the role is on operating and maintaining laboratories and instruments for funded global change research. Including:
- Ensuring the laboratory has the necessary equipment to support analyses,
- running analyses and guiding project students,
- responsibility for the COSHH database,
- maintaining and developing instrument and laboratory protocols,
- the development of new technical-analytical approaches for global change trace gas research (e.g. commissioning an automated earth respiration incubation platform) and establishing and maintaining mesocosm systems for biogeochemical research.

Description of specific work to be undertaken and skills to be gained

The primary roles of this post will be to:

- Coordinate, operate and maintain the biogeochemistry laboratories and trace gas instruments at Lancaster (50% time).
- Prepare and analyze plant-soil-atmosphere samples from field and mesocosm experiments (25%).
- Maintain mesocosm experiments and support fieldwork at peatland and grassland sites across the UK to measure biogeochemical and ecological responses to global change (25%).
- Work with senior staff, post-docs, students and collaborators to solve technical problems and deliver scientific understanding.
- Assist in the production of reports and scientific papers detailing research findings.

Training provided
Training will be provided in the following areas:

 Instrument methods, maintenance and data management.
 Plant-soil-atmosphere sample preparation, storage and processing methods.
 Mesocosm and field experiment sampling methods
 Statistical analysis, paper writing and presentation of results at scientific meetings.
 All relevant aspects of H&S policy.

Skills required on appointment
Successful candidates will already have a degree in an environmental science, ecology or chemistry related subject with sound numeracy, literacy and IT skills. You will need to demonstrate a well organised, practical and enthusiastic approach to working within a team. As the position involves strenuous fieldwork, candidates should be fit and able to undertake these activities and have a full driving licence. You are also expected to have a sound knowledge of chemistry and preferably some experience of working within laboratory environments with analytical instruments.

If you require any further details please contact Nick Ostle (no@ceh.ac.uk)

Salary
The salary for this research associate post is £19,540 progressing to £23,150 per annum. In addition NERC offer 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum.

Closing date for applications: 2 December 2011

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk and complete an online application form. 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 867003, Please quote reference number IRC36842.

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