Senior Research Associate in Biogeochemistry

The role

We are seeking a Senior Research Associate in Biogeochemistry to join a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers working on the UKRI REFRESH project, which will be Researching the role of dissolved organic matter as a nutrient resource in freshwater ecosystems. This offers an exciting prospect for you to develop understanding of how the biota access and respond to dissolved organic matter in freshwaters, and its role in driving ecosystem health in freshwaters.

You will have prior research experience in freshwater ecology and/or biogeochemistry and will have the opportunity to develop your analytical chemistry and field mesocosm experiment skills using a suite of cutting-edge research techniques for freshwater biogeochemistry developed in our state-of-the-art laboratories at the University of Bristol, while feeding in your own experience at PhD and postdoctoral research level. If you're a passionate researcher eager to push the boundaries of environmental science and find solutions to what drives ecosystem decline in freshwaters this role is for you

What will you be doing?

You will be supported by our Specialist Technician in Biogeochemistry, and collaborate with the principal investigator and co-investigator teams at the University of Bristol, Bangor University and UKCEH to:

• help design, set up and conduct a series of isotope dosing experiments in field mesocosms at a series of sites across the UK to evaluate how dissolved organic matter of varying character are accessed and utilised in freshwater ecosystems
• learn, fine tune and apply a suite of our novel biogeochemical techniques to investigate how riverine DOM is processed through aquatic food webs
• transfer of labelled materials by both autotrophs and heterotrophs, as this varies according to environmental character and function
• Further details can be found in the job description and in the UoB job advertisement.

You should apply if

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, ecology or related subjects).
• PhD in environmental biology or chemistry.
• Significant postdoctoral experience in biogeochemistry research using advanced analytical techniques and mesocosm-based research.
• Proficiency in isotope analyses for environmental media, experimental design, and data analysis techniques.
• Strong publication record, with experience in writing articles for high-impact academic journals.
• Excellent written communication skills with a passion for publishing research outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across the team, disciplines, institutions, and with key stakeholders involved in the REFRESH programme.
• Flexibility in working hours to adapt to the requirements of the role.
• Full UK driving licence.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact: Professor Penny Johnes, penny.johnes@bristol.ac.uk

Contract type: Open-ended with fixed funding until 30/09/2029

Work pattern: Full-time

Grade: J

Salary: £42,632- £47,874 per annum

School/Unit: School of Geographical Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 06/01/2025

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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