Material Systems Research Analyst

BGS is undertaking important research exploring how to create a circular economy for mineral raw materials, including technology metals essential to the UK economy. We lead the development of a UK technology metals observatory (https://techmetalsobservatory.org), and as part of this we develop stocks and flows models for a range of technology metals. Our focus on sustainable development in the minerals sector, requires expanding this work to cover a range of mineral raw materials. We are seeking a suitably experienced material systems researcher to supplement the existing research team. The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include:

• Contribute towards the development of system dynamics models and towards the future development of the technology metals observatory.
• Collate, process and analyse a range of physical, environmental, economic and social data associated with mineral raw materials to enable a holistic view of the resource/environmental/socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the UK, and opportunities for interventions through circular economy and sustainability strategies.
• Stakeholder engagement to generate new data and information essential for the modelling work, and to contribute to scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal papers.
• Presentation of the work to key project partners and stakeholders in government and industry, and at UK and international conferences.
  
  We are looking for candidates with either an MSc with sufficient relevant post qualification experience, or a PhD in a related discipline (for example geology, industrial ecology, sustainable resource management). Previous experience in working with mineral raw material and technology metals is highly desirable.
You will provide the expertise required to develop material flow analysis (MFA) models for mapping the stocks and flows of mineral raw material value chains within the UK. The work will be mostly UK-based but there will likely be opportunities to travel for research purposes (e.g. stakeholder engagement, conference attendance). As part of a larger community of researchers and geoscientists in BGS and project partner organisations, you will be expected to share your knowledge and contribute to the development of new research ideas and projects. In addition, you will possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.,
• Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree (e.g. in geology, industrial ecology, sustainability or life cycle analysis) and have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post qualification experience or a PhD in a subject relevant to the post (S)
• Completion of material flow analysis (MFA) modules as part of undergraduate or postgraduate degree PLUS applied knowledge of MFA arising from use in project/ thesis work (S)
• Experience in developing stocks and flows models (including material flow analysis, input-output analysis) as well as experience in collating, processing, analysing data on materials flows and modifying models accordingly (S&I)
• A record of accomplishment of scientific writing and publication in peer-review journals and technical reports (S&I)
• Knowledge of the concept of the circular economy (CE) and knowledge in system dynamic modelling (S&I)
• Knowledge in using design and visualisation tools e.g. Sankey diagrams (I)
• Ability to work within a variety of teams, with an interest to engage with specialists from other disciplines (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
Desirable
• Experience in working with technology metals and experience in life cycle assessment (S&I)
• Experience in conducting stakeholder engagement and structured interviews for collating new data (I)
• Knowledge of python programming and in using software packages for system dynamic modelling (I)
  
  The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency.As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.