Research Associate - Information Systems & Data Analyst

Research Associate

Information Systems & Data Analyst

Based in Edinburgh

Salary: £19,740 – £23,390 

The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

The NERC Research Associates' Programme is an initiative which is intended to offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within a Research Institute, whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills that will be valuable in a range of careers.

We offer a prestigious Research Associate training programme to develop skilled UK/EU scientists for the future of European environmental research.  The 3-year training programme offers you the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within our active research projects whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills valuable for your future career.  Each Research Associate will deliver specific, measurable objectives intended to develop their skills as a researcher and to demonstrate their suitability for a research career. 

 Description of specific work to be undertaken and skills to be gained 

As part of CEH’s Science Strategy “Integrated Science for Our Changing World”, a core work area is to determine risks of exposure of humans and ecosystems, and identify strategies and measures to mitigate impacts of pollution and environmental change. CEH is involved in many EU projects that generate vast amounts of data that needs to be collected and archived. We also manage and run several monitoring networks across the UK, funded by Defra, generating many different types of spatial and time-series data.  An important part of our work involves disseminating this data through websites and portals to produce dynamic data visualisation and online tools and models. We communicate our science outputs to policy-makers, regulators, industry, and other stakeholders to enable them to understand and respond to environmental change. 

• The primary focus will be to gain a wide range of skills required for developing and maintaining databases, online tools and applications, and creating websites using a Content Management System approach (e.g. Drupal).
• Throughout the training programme you will be part of a team and will apply newly acquired skills using real data and live websites. 

Skills required on appointment 

• You will have a scientific background with strong IT skills (or vice-versa), e.g. in environmental science, environmental informatics or information systems. 
• You should hold a relevant degree (BSc) or equivalent. 
• You must have excellent attention to detail, a methodical approach to problem solving, and a good degree of numeracy and computer literacy. 
• Some experience with programming and/or database tools. 
• Demonstrated previous experience of working with scientific datasets or website development.
• Effective team working is essential with the ability to work independently when required is desirable.  You will be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with good organisational and interpersonal skills. 

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc118713_3826.aspx and upload your CV with covering letter.  Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, please quote reference number IRC118713. 

Closing Date: 25 November 2013
Interview Date: 19 December 2013