Research Associate

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Hybrid work arrangement

Family-friendly policies

World-class facilities

Job summary

LOUGHBOROUGH UNIVERSITY invites applications for a Research Associate to join a 3-year NERC project on the impact of cohesive material in gravel bed rivers. The role combines responsibilities at Loughborough and Manchester Metropolitan Universities with fieldwork and laboratory experiments to study macroinvertebrate habitats and sediment processes.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant area and strong experience in freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling, field campaigns, and

Qualifications

• Postgraduate level fieldwork and physical experiments with macroinvertebrate habitat and ecology.
• Excellent working knowledge of UK freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling and species-level identification.
• Able to travel and work away from home for field campaigns lasting several days, with overnight stays.
• PhD in a relevant research area is required.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to the NERC-funded project on cohesive material and critical shear stress in gravel bed rivers.
• Collaborate with team members at Loughborough, Durham, and Manchester Metropolitan Universities.

Skills

Macroinvertebrate sampling

Species identification

Fieldwork

Sediment processes

Education

PhD in a relevant area

Job description

This post provides an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background (in freshwater ecology or biogeomorphology) to work on the 3-year NERC funded Pushing the Frontiers Project "The impact of cohesive material on critical shear stress in gravel bed rivers". This post will be based at Loughborough University, but the successful applicant will spend the majority of their time working at Manchester Metropolitan University. The Research Associate will undertake the specific tasks outlined in the project (see duties), assisted by the project investigator and will have access to an established researcher-development programme in which the RA will participate in terms of their personal development. The post-holder is integral to the success of the project and will require high-level freshwater macroinvertebrate and sediment-process knowledge, with experience in fieldwork and physical experiments. The post holder will have a scientific degree or equivalent experience and a PhD in a relevant research area.

• You should have current or recent work experience at postgraduate level involving fieldwork and physical experiments associated with macroinvertebrate habitat and ecology.
• You should have excellent working knowledge of UK freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling and species level identification.
• You should be able to work away from home to complete fieldwork campaigns lasting several days, with overnight stays. Loughborough University is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. The facilities and technical expertise are world class with scientists who have strong track records of pioneering new ways of working. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and inclusive School delivering excellence in learning and teaching, research, and enterprise across the various departments. The department of Geography and Environment is a multi-disciplinary unit with strong international reputation in river science and aquatic ecology. It hosts cutting-edge equipment and facilities in the world class 'River Science', 'Sediments and Soils' and 'Ecology' laboratories.
• From £35,608 per annum Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6. Subject to annual pay award.

The Research Associate will work in collaboration with other team members based at Durham University and Manchester Metropolitan University. As this is a dual/multi-institutional project, team members from this/these institutions may be involved in all stages of selection.

We're committed to creating an environment where you can flourish. You'll enjoy generous time off, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, plus a holiday purchase scheme. Other benefits include flexible and hybrid working options, family-friendly support, world-class sporting facilities, and a wide range of financial, health, and sustainability perks. About our full range of rewards and benefits.