Senior Research Technician

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent academic institution in Exeter seeks a Senior Research Technician to support the Upstream Thinking project. The successful applicant will perform laboratory analyses of water samples and take the lead in freshwater algae identification. Candidates should have a first degree in Environmental Science or related field and experience in laboratory settings. This full-time position offers competitive salary and benefits, set in a beautiful campus in Devon.

Benefits

Sector-leading maternity and paternity leave

Support for career development

Beautiful campus in Devon

Qualifications

• Educated to first degree level in Environmental Science or related field.
• Experience working in laboratory and field environments.
• Confident using scientific equipment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct laboratory analysis of water samples.
• Prepare and conduct freshwater algae identification.
• Lead laboratory method development.

Skills

Laboratory analysis

Water quality assessment

Microbiology techniques

Communication skills

Education

First degree in Environmental Science or related field

Tools

Scientific equipment

Job description

Overview

Environment, Science and Economy – This full-time post is available from October 2025 on a fixed term basis for 4 years. This position is subject to the confirmation of funding.

The Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW) wishes to recruit a Senior Research Technician to support the work of Professor Richard Brazier and the Upstream Thinking team. This post is available 1 October 2025 until 30 September 2029, with the possibility of extension subject to research funding. The successful applicant will work within the Upstream Thinking project. Primary tasks will include responsibility for the laboratory analysis of the water samples collected from upland and lowland catchments in the South West of England. This role is also responsible for preparing and carrying out freshwater algae identification, taking the lead for laboratory method development, and other research activities in support of the project objectives.

Salary: £33,951 on Grade E, depending on qualifications and experience.

Responsibilities

• Laboratory analysis of water samples collected from upland and lowland catchments in the South West of England.
• Prepare and conduct freshwater algae identification.
• Take the lead for laboratory method development and other research activities in support of project objectives.
• Work within the Upstream Thinking project and support the broader research team as required.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to manage their own workload to successfully complete the practical tasks of the research project, communicate effectively with the team and external stakeholders, orally, in writing and electronically.

Applicants will be educated to first degree level in Environmental Science or related field (i.e. Biology, Chemistry, Geography), or possess an equivalent qualification/experience and demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

Applicants will have experience working in laboratory and field environments, be confident using scientific equipment, and be enthusiastic to learn about the effects of catchment management and landscape restoration on water quality and microbiology.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research.
• Support teams that understand university research and teaching goals and partner with academics accordingly.
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that provides specialist support for external engagement and development.
• The Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career.
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector-leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy.
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of Devon.

The University

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.

For further information please contact Professor Richard Brazier, e-mail [e-mail] or Dr Jaeyoung Lee, [e-mail].