Greenhouse Gas and Terrestrial Carbon Dynamics Team Leader

We are seeking a dynamic and enthusiastic individual to provide leadership to our terrestrial carbon research and to undertake ecosystem scale greenhouse gas (GHG) measurements.

The ideal applicant will have the ability to guide and motivate staff, with the aim of building a successful research team through publication in high impact journals, winning external income, and effective networking within the science community.

The successful applicant will have a broad understanding of the global carbon cycle as applied to terrestrial ecosystem research and specific expertise in the use and application of eddy flux covariance techniques at the ecosystem level.

They will also be able to demonstrate an excellent publication and external income track record, well-developed communication skills with a range of stakeholders (including policymakers), and experience in project management. They should also have a sound knowledge of the opportunities and limitations provided by current carbon and GHG modelling approaches.

This role will be based in Aberdeen.

Main purpose of the job

• Coordinate Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Dynamics work at the James Hutton Institute, have oversight of existing work, and with Theme and Science Group leaders develop a strategic view for future GHG and carbon dynamic work at the Institute.
• Act as coordinator for the James Hutton Institute work within the Centre of Expertise on Climate Change (CXC).

Main duties of the postholder

• Establish and maintain an experimental site(s) and measure ecosystem gas exchange using Eddy Flux Covariance.
• Seek external research funding, coordinate responses to specific funding calls and contribute to grant writing.
• Manage and coordinate staff compliment involved in GHG emission and carbon research
• Maintain a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals and other outlets
• Act as coordinator for the James Hutton Institute in the CXC, have oversight of the James Hutton Institute commitment and provide support to the CXC Directorate/Secretariat as required.

Skills required

Technical:     

• Excellent in depth knowledge of GHG measurements using Eddy Flux Covariance.
• Understanding of current challenges in relation global C cycling, GHG emissions, Government Policies and Targets.
• Knowledge of data handling techniques, including soil C modeling and climate change modelling approaches.

Scientific:

• Ability to write peer review publications in high impact journals.
• Ability to attract external funding through competitive grant application.
• Ability to translate real-world issues into scientific objectives.

Experience required

• Project Management Skills (Budget control, resources and people).
• Coordinating skills required for CXC, ability to work at strategic level and cooperate level, liaising with Institute executive as required.

Academic requirements

PhD with relevant subsequent track record in peer-reviewed publications and successful grant applications.

Other specific requirements

Ability to lead/work in a team.