Senior Research Associate (RA2112)

Faculty of Science

School of Biological Sciences

Senior Research Associate 

Ref: RA2112

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

Applications are invited for the post of Senior Research Associate to work on a project titled “Linking ecology, enzymes and ecosystems in the global nitrogen cycle (UNITY)” which is funded through an ERC Starting Grant to Dr Laura Lehtovirta-Morley, School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia. The aim of the project is to obtain a critical, mechanistic understanding of the metabolism and ecology of ammonia oxidising microorganisms and to determine how cellular and physiological traits of ammonia oxidising microbes translate to nitrification rates in soil environments. 

You will be involved in identifying active microbial populations of ammonia oxidisers in soil and characterising their metabolism by targeted metagenomics. Furthermore, you will investigate relative contributions of different groups of ammonia oxidisers to nitrification in soil environments. This project will utilise novel, cutting-edge microbiology techniques to address these research goals. You will join a large, vibrant and productive research community in the School of Biological Sciences studying a range of aspects on global biogeochemical cycles.

The project is suitable for a microbiologist with a strong publication record and significant previous researchexperience in environmental microbiology, molecular microbial ecology and/or biogeochemical cycles. The successful applicant will have a PhD in a relevant field, excellent oral and written communication skills and should be able to meet all the essential criteria set out in the Person Specification. 

This full-time post is available from 1 August 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter, on a fixed term basis of up to 30 months. 

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

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 adoption leave.
• 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 anda 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: Tuesday 20 June 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.

RA2112_-… (.pdf) (2203kb) ,
Guidance… (.pdf) (2220kb)