Catchment Biogeochemist

Salary - £36,245 to £38,463

Hybrid working (50/50)

Permanent and Full Time (37 hours per week)

UKCEH is looking for a Catchment Biogeochemist to join our 600-strong organisation, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:
- 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years- 10% employer pension contribution- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave- 24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues- Flexible working opportunities

And much more

You will join a vibrant team of 12 research scientists, which includes freshwater ecologists, aquatic biogeochemists, data scientists and project managers. This team collaborates on research projects and leads several important projects on catchment processes and interactions within river, lake, and coastal ecosystems.

These projects require field expeditions throughout the UK, and also to the Arctic, Antarctic, South America and Kenya. Our projects include

BIOPOLE

,

GHG Aqua

,

Mot4Rivers,

International Net Zero Plus

, and

long term monitoring of Loch Leven


To be considered for this role, it's essential you can demonstrate proven experience in assessing nutrient and greenhouse gas transfer and transformation in terrestrial, freshwater and coastal environments. Evidence experience in planning and implementing large scale field campaigns in remote situations, and in the collection, processing and analysis of samples in laboratories to produce high quality environmental data.

We are looking for someone who is enthusiastic about environmental research, has a proven track record in biogeochemistry research, can demonstrate novelty in the analysis and interpretation of large data sets, and has experience in coordinating teams in the field and laboratory.

You will be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Your main responsibilities will include:
- Planning, managing and co-delivering large-scale field campaigns within the UK and internationally- Managing complex sample collection, storage and shipping procedures- Project Management- Managing, interpreting and analysing environmental data- Contributing to high impact refereed publications and/or customer reports- Providing advice to, and co-ordinating, an active team of laboratory and field staff-
- Communicating UKCEH science clearly to a wide audience, including at international conferences, stakeholder meetings and through interactions with the media (support will be provided by our Communications Team)- Supporting the development of post-graduate students and visiting scientists

For the role of Catchment Biogeochemist, we are looking for somebody who has:
- A PhD or equivalent experience in freshwater or marine science- A passion for delivering high quality science outputs, including data, papers, reports and science communication materials- An aptitude for quantitative analysis of data and data visualisation- Practical experience of field and laboratory methods used for monitoring and assessing catchments and aquatic ecosystems- Experience of collecting samples from land, river, lake, coastal and marine ecosystems to provide an understanding of catchment biogeochemical processes- A willingness to work outdoors under a wide range of weather conditions- An ambition to develop catchment biogeochemistry research and facilities within UKCEH and contribute to large-scale and long-term research projects- Ability to identify problems early and their solutions objectively- Excellent attention to detail and time management skills, including an ability to meet project deadlines- A collaborative and inclusive approach to research and science communication, with an aptitude for inspiring others- Excellent health and safety awareness- Full UK driving licence - please confirm on your CV

Desirable Skills/Experience:
- Working on aquatic biological communities, including their response to biogeochemical changes- Managing and archiving biogeochemical samples and data- Maintaining and operating field sensors- Empirical or process based modelling- Ability to use power boats, or willingness to learn- Willingness to work out of hours and overseas, including in remote locations (as described above)