Material Systems Research Analyst

International Society for Industrial Ecology; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization in the UK is seeking a full-time position for developing circular economy models focused on mineral raw materials. Candidates should have an MSc or PhD in relevant fields and experience in data analysis and system dynamics models. The role offers a salary of £41,344 to £45,479, comprehensive benefits like a robust pension scheme, and 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays. Flexible working options are available.

Benefits

Outstanding pension scheme

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Flexible working options

Qualifications

• MSc with relevant post-qualification experience or PhD in a related field.
• Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree.
• Experience in developing stocks and flows models.

Responsibilities

• Assist with development of system dynamics models.
• Analyse data associated with mineral raw materials.
• Engage with collaborators for data generation.

Skills

Material flow analysis

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Collaboration

Knowledge of circular economy

Python programming

Education

MSc or PhD in geology, industrial ecology, or related field

2:1 degree in relevant field

Tools

System dynamic modelling software

Job description

Salary: £41,344 to £45,479 (depending on skills and experience)

A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution - on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time - 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, but this role does require regular onsite attendance)

Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham

About the role

We are undertaking important research exploring how to build a circular economy for mineral raw materials, including technology metals crucial to the UK economy. We lead the development of a UK technology metals observatory, and as part of this we develop stocks and flows models for a range of technology metals.

The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include:

• Assist with the development of system dynamics models and towards the future development of the technology metals observatory.
• Collate, process and analyse a range of physical, environmental, economic and social data associated with mineral raw materials to enable a comprehensive view of the resource/environmental/socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the UK, and opportunities for interventions through circular economy and sustainability strategies.
• Collaborator engagement to generate new data and information essential for the modelling work, and to assist with scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Presentation of the work to key project partners and collaborators in government and industry, and at UK and international conferences.

About you

Do you have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post qualification experience, or a PhD in a related field (for example geology, industrial ecology, sustainable resource management)? Previous experience in working with mineral raw material and technology metals is highly desirable.

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.

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

• Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree (e.g. 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) as well as experience in collating, processing, analysing data on materials flows and modifying models accordingly (S&I)
• A record of accomplishment of scientific writing and publication in peer-reviewed 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)
• Ability to work within a variety of teams, with an interest to engage with specialists from other areas (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
• Experience in working with technology metals and experience in life cycle assessment (S&I)
• Experience in conducting collaborator engagement and structured interviews for collating new data (I)
• Knowledge of python programming and in using software packages for system dynamic modelling (I)

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 13 January 2025.