Research Associate in Plankton Ecology

Job title:

Research Associate in Plankton Ecology

Company

Cardiff University

Job description

School / DirectorateSchool of Earth and Environmental SciencesAdvertResearch Associate in Plankton EcologyWe are looking for a highly motivated postdoctoral researcher to join the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences in Cardiff University (UK) to work on the Offensive Sea-Snot project in collaboration with Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI, Germany), Department of Water and Environmental Regulation (DWER, Australia) and Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML, UK).In this role, you will:

• work in collaboration with international colleagues, possibly spending some weeks working at AWI (Germany);
• maintain and culture sea-snot forming dinoflagellates and their prey;
• conduct predator-prey laboratory experiments on sea-snot forming dinoflagellate species under different abiotic conditions of temperature and turbulence;
• analyse predator-prey experimental systems using combinations of Walz PhytoPam, FlowCAM and allied approaches;
• analyse and prepare for publication results from laboratory experiments.

We would like to hear from you if you have experience in:

• maintaining and culturing flagellate plankton, ideally marine plankton;
• growing and conducting predator-prey experimental work on flagellate plankton;
• using light and epifluorescence microscopes, PAM-fluorometry, FlowCam, Image Analysis, Coulter Counter or similar.

We can offer you the chance to work in a vibrant organisation, with and opportunities for progression. We are a proud Living Wage supporter.Please contact Dr Aditee Mitra ( ) for an informal, confidential discussion about the role.This post is full-time and fixed-term for a period of three months.Salary: £39.347 – £44.263 per annum (Grade 6)Date advert posted: Wednesday, 19 June 2024Closing date: Wednesday, 10 July 2024Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds who have the ambition to create a University which seeks to fulfil our social, cultural and economic obligation to Cardiff, Wales, and the world. In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.Post Reference Number18756BRJob DescriptionMain functionTo conduct research within the emergent topic of offensive sea-snot forming predatory mixoplankton under climate change conditions and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same.Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesResearch

• To conduct research on predator-prey dynamics of mucus trap forming mixoplankton species under climate change stressors (e.g., temperature & turbulence) and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To maintain and culture sea-snot forming dinoflagellates and their prey.
• To work in collaboration with international colleagues, possibly spending some weeks working in Alfred Wegener Institute Helmholtz Centre for Polar and Marine Research (AWI, Germany).
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field.
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, explore future research requirements and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects.

Other

• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Salary Range Max.44,263GradeGrade 6Salary Range Min.39,347Job CategoryAcademic – ResearchCareer PathwayResearchPerson SpecificationEssential CriteriaQualifications and Education * Postgraduate degree at PhD level in experimental aquatic microbiologyKnowledge, Skills and Experience * An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within the following fields:

• maintenance and culture work with flagellate plankton
• laboratory experiments on predator-prey dynamics with flagellate predator
• Knowledge of current status of research in the above fields with track record of using traditional and emergent methodologies for conducting laboratory experiments.
• Proven ability to publish in international journals and present at international conferences.
• Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Communication and Team Working * Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication.

• Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within time limited opportunities.

Other * Proven ability to complete work independently within strict deadlines.

• Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria * Experience in laboratory experiments involving the use of PAM-fluorometry, FlowCam, Image Analysis, Coulter Counter or similar.

• Experience in light and epifluorescence microscopy.

Expected salary

£39347 – 44263 per year

Location

United Kingdom

Job date

Thu, 13 Jun 2024 01:08:41 GMT

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