Job Description

Role:

Microbiological Research Assistant for the Ocean Carbon and Nutrient Dynamics Research Group

Grade and Salary:

Grade 6, 31,236 - 36,636 per annum

FTE and working pattern:

1FTE, 35hrs per week, Monday - Friday

Holiday Entitlement:

33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)

Purpose of Role

The successful candidate will be part of the Ocean Carbon-And-Nutrient-Dynamics (Ocean-CANDY) research group at the Lyell Centre, working on the UKRI (NERC) funded project aEUR~Impacts of Bottom Trawling on Seabed Carbon Storage' (SeaSTORE) with Prof. Alex Poulton, Dr Marija Sciberras, and Prof. Michel Kaiser. The SeaSTORE project addresses the benthic and pelagic processes that connect trawling disturbance of bottom sediments to the potential release of carbon dioxide from surface waters. These processes range from benthic microbial composition and metabolism to characteristics of the inorganic particles resuspended from marine sediments. SeaSTORE is a collaborative project led by Prof. Jan Hiddink of Bangor University, involving 7 UK-based universities and research institutes, and two research cruises to the Irish Sea on NERC vessels in 2026.


The candidate will participate in both 3-week research cruises (spring and summer) supporting the pelagic and benthic teams onboard to collect samples for analysis of microbes, plankton and particulate material. The primary responsibility of the position will be successful collection and preservation of microbial samples for DNA extraction and analysis, though the candidate will be expected to support the work of the pelagic team in sample collection and onboard analysis. Following the successful field work the candidate will become involved in preliminary laboratory analysis of microbial DNA, plankton identification and assessment of particle size-spectra. Opportunities for the candidate to become involved in other components of SeaSTORE, for example systematic literature review and stakeholder engagement, will also be explored.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:


Participate in two 3-week research cruises to the Irish Sea. Organize and oversee the collection of key microbial and particulate samples from both the bottom sediments and water column. Assist in the planning and execution of the cruise logistics, from project and sampling organization to ordering of consumables and transport of relevant equipment and items to and from the relevant ports. Assist in the collation and organization of sending samples for external analysis (e.g., lipid and genetic analysis). Assist in the collation of data collected on the cruise, ensuring cross-partner and collaborator sharing of data and a level of quality control relevant to the data stream.
Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all the key duties and responsibilities.

Essential & Desirable Criteria

Essential


Undergraduate or postgraduate qualification in a relevant field (marine sciences, ecology, oceanography, microbiology or equivalent). Sea-going experience or field work experience in challenging work and social conditions (as might be expected on a research vessel for a prolonged period). Organizational and logistical skills, and the ability and desire to work in a closely interacting team, but also independently as required by the specific tasks involved in delivering the role. Good communication and writing skills; proficiency in English. Ability to pass the STCW Personal Survival Techniques course and undergo an ENG-1 (Seafarers medical fitness certificate). Desirable


Knowledge of marine sciences and standard oceanographic sampling techniques (e.g., CTD water collection, chlorophyll analysis). Experience of collection and preservation of microbial samples for DNA extraction and analysis or collected at water and marine sediment samples Experience with dissolved oxygen and chemical analysis from water samples. Experience of undertaking a systematic literature review. Experience of interacting with stakeholders and analyzing questionnaire-based information. A track record of sea-going experience and/or undertaking field work in challenging work and social conditions (as might expected on a research ship).

How to Apply

Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on

Sunday 7th December 2025.

Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.


We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g., part-time working and job share options.


Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.


Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ .


Use our total rewards calculator: https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.


Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.