Laboratory and Field Senior Technician (Palaeoecology) (Fixed Term)

The Laboratory and Field Senior Technician (LFST) will be a member of the Conservation Palaeoecology Lab (CPL) at the Department of Geography. The role-holder will assist in preparing sediment and peat core samples for pollen and non-pollen microfossils, such as testate amoebae, diatoms etc, as well as macrofossils including charcoal. The role will also involve preparing samples for radiocarbon dating and geochemistry analysis, as well as preparing and analyzing samples using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) and particle size analyzer. Microscopy work may also be involved as the need arises. The LFST will be further involved in day-to-day operation, management and maintenance of the CPL and will be involved in field work in and outside the UK for days-weeks, including in remote locations.

Dr Adeleye's UKRI project "Integrating past and present ecologies, and traditional knowledge for effective biodiversity management into the future (IPPET)" will inform the use of use of integrative palaeoecology for conservation and management. The LFST will be a vital part of the international wetland conservation palaeoecology project, which will help contextualized palaeoecological data to on-ground management needs.

Furthermore, the LFST will contribute to the production and interpretation of data for academic-led research in their own specialist area(s) and undertake relevant training, under the guidance of the Geography Science Laboratories Manager, to maintain their skills as techniques and technologies needed to support the Department's research and teaching foci evolve.

They will also coordinate responsive laboratory and equipment bookings associated to the CPL, ensuring spaces and equipment are well maintained and readily accessible to maximise research productivity. They are proactive in maintaining laboratory and field equipment of the CPL, including stocking appropriate consumable items and ensure the laboratories are a safe working environment for all.

We are seeking candidates with Bachelor-degree level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Geography or related subjects such as Earth Science/Biology and a breadth of technical research skills relevant to physical geography, with specialisms in palaeoecology.  Experience of pollen and other micro- and macro fossil identification and palaeo field work, especially sediment coring, is essential. 

The role may, from time to time and by agreement, require the provision of support for fieldwork elsewhere in the UK or overseas, including out-of-hours commitments and overnight stays. Where such work takes the role-holder beyond their normal working hours, this will be compensated either by time off in lieu or paid overtime.

Please refer to the Further Particulars for the qualifications, skills and experience required, as well as the role key responsibilities.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Please quote reference LC43475 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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