Specialist Technician in Biogeochemistry

The role

A unique opportunity exists for a Biogeochemistry Field and Laboratory Research Technician to join a multidisciplinary consortium of researchers working on the UKRI REFRESH project, which will be Researching the role of dissolved organic matter as a nutrient resource in freshwater ecosystems. This offers an exciting prospect for a suitably qualified applicant to develop their research skills in a suite of exciting field experiments, and in our state-of-the-art analytical laboratories. If you hold a BSc and/or MSc level qualification, you’ll have the opportunity to feed in experience derived through this study, alongside experience from other comparable technical role/s.

This opportunity would be ideal for an Environmental Technician involved in field sampling and lab analysis, a Research Assistant in Environmental Science supporting projects in environmental biogeochemistry, a Laboratory Technician in Environmental Chemistry with experience in organic geochemistry and isotope analysis, an Ecological Field Technician focused on biogeochemical fieldwork, or a recent BSc or MSc Graduate Researcher with hands-on experience in environmental sciences.

What will you be doing?

The role-holder will support our postdoctoral researchers and work with the principal and co-investigator teams at the University of Bristol and UKCEH to:

• conduct field experiments and monitoring, collect samples and apply analytical approaches to determine the chemical composition of river and biotic water samples from experiments running across the UK.
• help set up and run field sampling campaigns and conduct field mesocosm experiments to evaluate the changing composition of the organic matter pool.
• help run a sequence of isotope dosing experiments to investigate how organic matter is taken up and processed by stream biota.
• carry out sample preparation and operation of analytical instruments in the laboratory to generate quality assured analytical data to support the writing and publication (by others) of a suite of journal articles reporting the outcomes from the nutrient workstream of the programme, in collaboration with the REFRESH staff across both institutions.
• be a co-author on all publications arising from the programme, where they have been involved in the fieldwork or analysis of samples in the laboratory.

You should apply if

You’ll bring strong experience of biogeochemical research in the field and laboratory. Specialist knowledge of mesocosm-based experiments, analytical environmental science including working in a laboratory, and experience in the use and analyses of samples containing stable isotopes (13C, 15N in particular) is also welcomed. It would also be highly beneficial to hold a degree in ecology, environmental science, environmental chemistry, or a related subject. You will demonstrate a proactive approach, creativity and initiative and have the ability to work independently and as part of a team. Good communication and interpersonal skills are also required, as is the ability to take a positive and flexible approach to work in order to deal with a variety of requests and tasks. An ability to work flexibly according to the requirement of the role is also key, as is a full UK driving licence.

• Specialised Knowledge: Experience in nutrient and organic geochemistry or analytical environmental science, particularly involving stable isotopes (13C, 15N), is highly valued.
• Laboratory Expertise: Comfortable with laboratory protocols, techniques, and sample analyses, with a focus on samples containing stable isotopes.
• While not essential, a degree in a relevant domain is highly desirable: This could be in Ecology, Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, or a related field, with hands-on experience in biogeochemical research in both field and laboratory settings.
• Proactive and Creative Mindset: We’re looking for someone who takes initiative, thinks creatively, and approaches challenges with a proactive attitude.
• Independent and Team-Oriented: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a collaborative team environment.
• Strong Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal skills to engage with team members and stakeholders effectively.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: A positive and flexible approach to work, able to shift between various tasks and respond to changing priorities.
• Full UK Driving Licence: Essential for traveling to research sites and fieldwork locations.

Please note that this role internally is recognised as ‘Level 1 Specialist Technician’.

Additional information

Contract type: Open ended with fixed funding until 31/12/2028

Work pattern: Full time

Grade: G

Salary: £30,505 - £34,866 per annum

School/Unit: School of Geographical Sciences

This advert will close at23:59 UK timeon 28/01/25

Interviews are anticipated to take place week commencing 03/02/25

For informal queries, please contact: Professor Penny Johnes, penny.johnes@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission