Senior Research Associate in Marine Microplastics and the Carbon Cycle (RA2085)

Faculty of Science

School of Environmental Sciences

Senior Research Associate in Marine Microplastics and the Carbon Cycle

Ref: RA2085

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 implications of microplastic pollution for global marine productivity and the carbon cycle. This is a data analysis and modelling position that is suitable for researchers working in the general area of marine biogeochemical cycles, with experience in any type of computer modelling. 

You will introduce microplastics in an existing global carbon cycle model (the PlankTOM model) and explore for the first time the implications of microplastics for marine ecosystems and the implications for the carbon cycle. The work also involves the exploration of metrics for model evaluation, comparison with other carbon cycle models, the gathering and synthesis of relevant observations on microplastics and their influence on different plankton species, and interactions with carbon cycle and marine ecosystem experts to help in the development and evaluation of model components. 

The position is suitable for researchers with experience in any type of computer modelling, knowledge of the marine biogeochemical cycles (and preferably of marine ecosystems and/or microplastics) and interested in climate change studies. Enthusiastic and imaginative researchers in physics, computer sciences or mathematics interested to contribute to climate science will be considered and you must be able to meet all the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

This work will be conducted as 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.

RA2085_-… (.pdf) (1920kb) ,
Guidance… (.pdf) (2225kb)