ACAD107887

A unique opportunity exists for a Senior Research Associate in Biogeochemistry 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 skills in understanding the role of dissolved organic matter in freshwater ecosystems, and the ways in which the biota access and respond to this material, using groundbreaking multidisciplinary research approaches developed by the team. There will be opportunities to bring your experience in freshwater ecology and biogeochemistry to the team, and develop your analytical chemistry research skills in a suite of cutting-edge research techniques for freshwater biogeochemistry developed at the University of Bristol, working in our state-of-the-art analytical laboratories, while also feeding in their own experience derived from their prior research experience at PhD and postdoctoral research level. As part of this project, you'll have the chance to expand your research skills in advanced analytical chemistry techniques tailored to freshwater biogeochemistry, using cutting-edge techniques developed at the University of Bristol, and to explore what these can tell us about how freshwater ecosystems function. Working in our state-of-the-art analytical labs, and in the field, you'll gain hands-on experience with these innovative methodologies while contributing your expertise from PhD and postdoctoral research. If you're a passionate researcher eager to push the boundaries of environmental science, this role is for you.What will you be doing? The role-holder will be supported by our Specialist Technician in Biogeochemistry, and will collaborate with the principal investigator and co-investigator teams at the University of Bristol and UKCEH to:

• help design, set up and conduct experiments to evaluate how dissolved organic molecules of varying character are accessed, taken up and utilised in freshwater ecosystems,
• run a sequence of isotope dosing experiments in field mesocosm experiments across the UK. These will be set up and run by the role holder under the supervision of the PI, with support from a Specialist Technician using techniques developed in the Schools of Geographical Sciences and Chemistry at the University of Bristol, to investigate how riverine DOM is taken up by the biota, and is processed through food webs,
• work closely with a dedicated Specialist Technician in Biogeochemistry to deliver the field experiments and analytical outcomes from this element of the programme,
• use analytical approaches including chromatographic and mass spectrometric methods as well as stable isotope (13C and 15N) approaches to explore direct as well as indirect (consumption) transfer of labelled materials by both autotrophs and heterotrophs, as this varies according to environmental character and function,
• lead the writing and publication of a suite of journal articles reporting the outcomes from the organic matter and isotope chemistry elements of the programme, in collaboration with the REFRESH staff across all institutions,
• collaborate with other members of the research team on multidisciplinary publications on the combined programme outcomes, and
• work with a wide stakeholder community to explore opportunities for knowledge exchange with both academic and non-academic audiences.
  
  You will have a degree in a relevant subject (environmental science, environmental chemistry, environmental biology, ecology or related subject), a PhD in environmental biology or chemistry, and significant postdoctoral experience in biogeochemistry research using advanced analytical techniques. - Experience in isotope analyses in environmental media, experimental design and data analysis techniques is also required, including in mesocosm based research. We are a team who publish extensively and the writing of articles for high impact academic journals to publish the outcomes from this programme is a key element of this role. If you have clear and concise writing skills, and are keen to publish your work, you will fit our needs well. We will also be looking for an excellent communicator with strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, as we will be collaborating within the project team (3 SRAs, 2 Specialist Technicians, 3 PhD students and 8 PI/Co-Is),
across disciplines and 3 institutions and with key stakeholder groups supporting the REFRESH programme. An ability to work flexibly according to the requirement of the role is also key, as is a full UK driving licence.
• Degree in a relevant field (e.g., environmental science, environmental biology, environmental chemistry, ecology or related subjects).
• PhD in environmental biology or chemistry.
• Significant postdoctoral experience in biogeochemistry research using advanced analytical techniques and mesocosm-based research.
• Proficiency in isotope analyses for environmental media, experimental design, and data analysis techniques.
• Strong publication record, with experience in writing articles for high-impact academic journals.
• Excellent written communication skills with a passion for publishing research outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate across the team, disciplines, institutions, and with key stakeholders involved in the REFRESH programme.
• Flexibility in working hours to adapt to the requirements of the role.
• Full UK driving licence.