Research Associate in Improving Pollutant Deposition Estimates to Upland Ecosystems (UplandDep)

University of Manchester; Manchester; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous pension

29 days annual leave

Ride to work

EV car scheme

Job summary

University of Manchester is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to lead field experiments and analyse nitrogen deposition data in upland ecosystems. You will collaborate with CEH Edinburgh, Exeter, Environment Agency and Met Office to advance understanding and modelling of pollutant deposition in Scotland and northern England.

The role requires strong field measurement skills, data interpretation, and the ability to publish high-quality findings with partners across institutions.

Qualifications

• PhD in environmental science or related field.
• Experience with field measurements and multi-partner collaborations.
• Ability to interpret complex data and publish results.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate setup and delivery of field experiments.
• Analyse measurement data and publish outcomes.
• Identify new research questions and collaboration opportunities.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers and partners.
• Build relationships with project partners and Met Office.

Skills

Air pollution measurement

Field measurements

Data analysis

Scientific writing

Education

PhD in environmental science

Tools

Lab instrumentation

Data analysis software

Job description

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Post-Doctoral Research Associate on the Improving pollutant deposition estimates to upland ecosystems. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a major research project aiming to make a significant step forward in our understanding of the processes that alter the deposition of nitrogen in complex upland terrain, and in our measurement and modelling tools to quantify this deposition. The work will involve field research at locations in both Scotland and the north of England. The research project is a partnership between CEH Edinburgh, University of Manchester, University of Exeter, Environment Agency and the MetOffice, providing a dynamic and inclusive environment.

You will be responsible for:

• Play a coordinating role in the set up and delivery of the field experiments.
• Analyse and interpret the measurement data collected during the field experiments and publish key scientific outcomes.
• Use initiative and creativity to identify new research questions, assessment methods and opportunities for collaboration.
• Collaborate with interdisciplinary researchers on broader air quality research challenges and play a role in building the collaborative team during and after field experiments.
• Build effective relationships with project partners, the Environment Agency and the Met Office, and wider research networks.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

About You:

We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:

Essential Criteria:

• Specialist knowledge of instrumentation for measurement of air pollution that can be readily transferable to other techniques and methods.
• Experience of conducting field measurements and/or organisation of multi-partner experiments to tackle an air pollution research problem.
• Ability to interpret complex technical findings and translate them into actionable conclusions.
• Evidence of the ability to prepare high-quality research publications or equivalent technical outputs.
• Willingness and ability to work closely with colleagues from other research institutes and ability to establish effective working relationships with others, including external partners.

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience of coordinating a field experiment to study air pollution.
• Experience of working in a research environment with multiple partners and a demonstrable ability to engage with and work synergistically alongside others in a multi-disciplinary team.
• Experience of working with government partners.
• Experience of coordinating interdisciplinary collaboration involving air pollution.
• Evidence of contributing to research proposals or securing external funding.

We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications.

(Grades 6-9)

Our benefits include:

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
• Ride to work and EV car scheme available

For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here.

We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions. Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.

Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews

Name: Professor Hugh Coe

Email Address: [e-mail]

General enquiries and administrative support

[e-mail]

Technical and job portal support

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Applicants must demonstrate the right to work in the UK.

Applications close at midnight on the closing date.

Further particulars (with person specification) linked below.