To develop a leading role in the air pollution effects based research for the Atmospheric Composition and Effects science area. The role will include continuing long-term field experiments to monitor and assess pollution effects on lichens, mosses, higher plant and habitat health. The role will support national and international research projects and will actively develop new proposals.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Your role will include:

Assess and quantify impacts of N pollution on the environment
Conduct species surveys - including lichens, mosses, higher plants. For effects work, and long-term ecosystem monitoring.
Apply expertise in understanding pollution effects - for example foliar and soil chemistry changes, secondary impacts, eutrophication, acidification, abiotic stress responses etc.
Ecophysiology measurement techniques of plant health and gas exchange - for example stomatal conductance, reflectance indices, gas exchange, fluorescence.
Project and Task management to conduct national and international research
Data processing and analysis of ecological data
Working with the Environmental Information Data Centre to make data available to the wider community
Writing journal papers and reports
Develop research ideas and prepare proposals within the effects sciences

Over the 3 years you will gain skills in:

The research associate will have gained in depth skills in the field of impacts of air quality, including enhancing and expanding their understanding in ecophysiology measurements and monitoring. Furthermore it is the expectation that the post will learn research project proposal development, project administration and management. The post will learn cross-disciplinary science application of the effects research; learning how the effects monitoring will be included into UKCEH models and interpretation (Plan dependent on candidate capabilities), Project and task management and delivery skills.

Skills and Knowledge Required

Knowledge and Qualifications

A good degree in an appropriate subject. E.g. Environmental Sciences, Botanical sciences
PhD or equivalent experience in botany, ecology, environmental/natural science.

Experience/Proven abilities related to the position

Strong track record for field based research, with a good understanding of ecophysiology and/or ecosystem dynamics.
Good understanding of plant functional processes.
Plant and soil chemistry techniques, laboratory experience and instrumentation
Data analysis using R, excel and statistical software
Published research papers or equivalent

Skills

Ability to operate and maintain field and/or laboratory instrumentation for effects research.
Understanding of the importance and the production of accurate protocols and procedures.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Excellent organisation skills with a high attention to detail

Core Behaviours & Values

You will demonstrate a commitment to promote and adhere to UKCEH values of Excellence, Integrity and Teamwork.

Other Requirements

Full UK driving licence
Overseas Travel
Year round UK field work

What we offer

To find out the benefits of working with UKCEH, please follow the link below for a summary. www.ceh.ac.uk/sites/default/files/UKCEH-Terms-and-Conditions-Summary.pdf

How to Apply

To apply for this position and to find out more about the role, click here. As well as a CV, please provide a covering letter detailing why you may be suitable for the role.

Editorial guidelines

EDITORIAL INFORMATION

Sharon Maguire Editor [email protected]

Kathryn Manning Assistant editor [email protected]

Sharon Maguire
Editor
[email protected]

Kathryn Manning
Assistant editor
[email protected]