Specialist Technician

The role

We are seeking a research technician to join the Watershed Carbon lab (https://watershedcarbonlab.weebly.com/) led by Dr Josh Dean, working primarily on the Defra Lowland Peatland 3 project, but with opportunities to contribute to multiple projects. You will deliver specialist technical work relating to greenhouse gase measurements in peatlands and aquatic systems, both continuous in-field measurements and discrete sampling and analysis in the lab. The projects are well resourced and there will be opportunities to travel to field locations across the UK and Europe. While not expected to, the technician will be given opportunities to contribute to research outcomes and develop their own research skills specific to the individual’s goals (including opportunities for further development and other pathways into a research career). You will be a key member of the research group and the School’s wider technical team, contributing general lab and fieldwork management, supporting and contributing to a range of analysis techniques such as gas chromatography, cavity ringdown spectrometry in field conditions, and tools and methods for measuring gases in aquatic environments.

What will you be doing?

The successful candidate will contribute primarily to research projects on peatlands in the UK, and mainly quantifying greenhouse gas emissions from experimental peat-carbon management site in the Somerset levels. The candidate will also contribute to research projects that are quantifying soil hydrogen uptake, and quantifying methane dynamics in urban rivers in the UK, Europe, USA and Asia. These will include tasks such as:

• Working with the research team to provide specialist support and plan research approaches in lab and field environments.
• Developing and undertaking sample collection and analysis, ensuring a high level of quality control.
• Operating, servicing, maintaining and calibrating specialist equipment in lab and field conditions.
• Contributing to local (single day) and national and international (multi-day) field campaigns.
• Sourcing and maintaining stocks of lab materials and consumables.

You should apply if

You have:

• Experience of fieldwork & labwork in the broad field of biogeochemistry.
• Experience in operating, maintaining and problem-solving technical equipment in a scientific environment.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to deal with and prioritise a range of ongoing tasks at the same time.
• Relevant qualifications at GCSE, or NVQ level 2/3, or equivalent level, plus relevant work experience.
• It would be desirable if you have experience working with greenhouse gas measurements and/or gas geochemistry.

It would be desirable if you have a valid UK or EU driver’s license.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding for 3 years

Work pattern: Full time (part-time negotiable)

School/Unit: School of Geographical Sciences

Internally job title is known as Level 1 Specialist Technician (Research Facility) 

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 09/07/24

For informal queries, please contact Josh Dean, josh.dean@bristol.ac.uk

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