Senior Research Associate in Marine Ecosystem Stability (RA2086)

Description

Faculty of Science

School of Environmental Sciences

Senior Research Associate in Marine Ecosystem Stability

Ref: RA2086

Starting salary from £35,333, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £42,155.

We seek a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to explore the limits of stability of marine ecosystems and the implications for the ocean carbon cycle. This is a data analysis and modelling position that is suitable for researchers working on marine ecosystems, with experience in any type of computer modelling.

You will develop and implement new ways to incorporate some of the observed diversity in marine plankton ecosystems in an existing global carbon cycle model based on the representation of Plankton Functional Types (the PlankTOM model). The aim of the work is to assess the extent to which instabilities in marine ecosystems could potentially translate into changes in fluxes of carbon, in particular the sinking of organic carbon to the deep ocean. The work involves the use and analysis of existing observations, the development of new theory and/or new parameterisations (including using Machine Learning methods), and the exploration of ecosystem stability in a modelling context. The work also involves comparison with other carbon cycle models, the gathering and synthesis of relevant observations, and interactions with carbon cycle and marine ecosystem experts to help in the development and evaluation phases. 

This work will be conductedas part of a dynamic research team exploring the frontiers of knowledge on the limits to stability in marine ecosystem functioning. The post will provide opportunities for collaborations with scientists in the UK and internationally, including with the UK Earth System Modelling group and the Greenocean consortium. 

This full-time post is available from 1 July 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a fixed term period until 31 March 2026. 

Benefits include:

• 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
• Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoptionleave.
• Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependents, plus incapacity cover.
• Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, medical centre, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Campus Facilities: sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
• Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
• Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.

Closing Date: Monday 24 April 2023

The University is committed to diversifying its workforce. As examples, we already hold an Athena SWAN Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality. We also have a Vice-Chancellor led Taskforce on Tackling Racism and a Race Equality Charter Working Group which support our work on race equality. Our aim is to submit to the Race Equality Charter in 2024.

RA2086_-… (.pdf) (1925kb) ,
Guidance… (.pdf) (2225kb)