Material Systems Research Analyst

About the role

BGS is undertaking important research exploring how to create a circular economy for mineral raw materials, including technology metals essential to the UK economy. We lead the development of a UK technology metals observatory (https://techmetalsobservatory.org), and as part of this we develop stocks and flows models for a range of technology metals. We are seeking an experienced material systems researcher to supplement the existing research team. The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include:

• Collate, process and analyse a range of physical, environmental, economic and social data associated with mineral raw materials to enable a holistic view of the resource/environmental/socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the UK.
• Stakeholder engagement to generate new data and information essential for the modelling work.
• Presentation of the work to key project partners and stakeholders in government and industry.

About you

You will provide the expertise required to develop material flow analysis (MFA) models for mapping the stocks and flows of mineral raw material value chains within the UK.

As part of a larger community of researchers and geoscientists in BGS and project partner organisations, you will be expected to share your knowledge and contribute to the development of new research ideas and projects.

The specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

Essential

• Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree (e.g. in geology, industrial ecology, sustainability or life cycle analysis) and have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post qualification experience or a PhD in a subject relevant to the post (S)
• Completion of material flow analysis (MFA) modules as part of undergraduate or postgraduate degree PLUS applied knowledge of MFA arising from use in project/ thesis work (S)
• Experience in developing stocks and flows models (including material flow analysis, input-output analysis) (S&I)
• A record of accomplishment of scientific writing and publication in peer-review journals and technical reports (S&I)
• Knowledge of the concept of the circular economy (CE) and knowledge in system dynamic modelling (S&I)
• Knowledge in using design and visualisation tools e.g. Sankey diagrams (I)

Desirable

• Experience in working with technology metals and experience in life cycle assessment (S&I)
• Experience in conducting stakeholder engagement and structured interviews for collating new data (I)
• Knowledge of python programming and in using software packages for system dynamic modelling (i)

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 13 January 2025.  Interviews are expected to be held in late January 2025 in Nottingham.

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