Research Associate - Microplastics & Toxic Pollutants Scientist

Research Associate

Microplastics & Toxic Pollutants Scientist

Based in Wallingford

Salary: £26,450 - £29,710 

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.

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 

As part of this work you will undergo an extensive training programme and undertake project work to assess the potential role of plastic degradation fragments and particles as vectors for a range of organic chemicals (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, pesticides) and the effects of the ingestion of these particles on the biology and ecology of terrestrial and freshwater organisms. 

There is a requirement for the successful applicant to be located in Lancaster for a period of 9-12 months with the analytical chemistry team during year 2 of this appointment. 

Skills required on appointment 

• You will have a PhD or Masters Degree in biology or chemistry which will have included project work within a laboratory setting.
• You should have an analytical approach and an aptitude for problem solving.
• You should be confident at compiling and manipulating data and have knowledge of some routine statistical techniques.
• You will have experience of presenting scientific findings to scientific and non scientific audiences.
• You will demonstrate good communication and teamwork skills including an ability to develop effective collaborations.
• You will be able to work independently and be able to meet deadlines and monitor budgets.
• You will have shown an ability to communicate science through writing project reports, lead or assisting in drafting research manuscripts or the verbal presentations of results. 

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/Vacancy/irc119334_3869.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 IRC119334. 

Closing Date: 27 November  2013
Interview Date: 19 December 2013