Research Associate - Birmingham, United Kingdom - University of Birmingham

University of Birmingham

Verified Company

Birmingham, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Position Details
Research Associate

Location:
University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to December 2026

Closing date: 1st January 2024

Background

An enthusiastic, innovative and self-motivated person is sought for the position of Research Associate to work on an exciting new research project funded jointly by the U.S.

National Science Foundation and the U.K.

Natural Environment Research Council (entitled
" Warming's silver lining? Thermal compensation at multiple levels of organization may promote ecosystem stability in response to drought").

This three-year project aims to understand how the gradual warming caused by climate change will affect how freshwater ecosystems, specifically rivers and streams, respond to extreme climate events, particularly periods of low flow and hydrological drought.

The project has two main components: 1.

experimental work in Iceland, where streams of contrasting temperature arising because of geothermal activity are used as surrogates of climate warming, and 2.

replicated flume experiments in Birmingham U.K., where state-of-the-art facilities are located.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and/or projects
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to publications

Main Duties

You will be responsible for assisting in managing the outdoor experimental Ecolaboratory facility and laboratory, under the leadership of the facility Director.
Devise and undertake flumebased laboratory experiments at the Ecolaboratory.
Ensure the Ecolaboratory facility runs efficiently and resolve operational issues that arise swiftly to protect experiments, in liaison with University staff.
Organise and manage data in standard formats (spreadsheets) for future analysis.
Collect and process samples for physicochemical and biological characterisation using environmental analytical techniques.
Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews.
Analyse research data as directed.
Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods.
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research.
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research.
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

Degree or equivalent in the Environmental Sciences or Engineering.
Postgraduatelevel study desirable.
Experience working with environmental sensors and dataloggers is desirable.
Experience in fieldbased environmental monitoring is essential and experience running outdoor/mesocosm experiments is desirable.
Knowledge of freshwater ecology is desirable.
A UK driving licence is essential.
Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
Ability to access and organise resources successfully. Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website **.