Job Description

Salary - \xc2\xa329,733 to \xc2\xa331,553 Depending on experience
Permanent and Full Time (37 hours per week)
Fully site or field based
We reserve the right to close the vacancy if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

UKCEH is looking to appoint a Research Associate \xe2\x80\x93 Plant Ecological Genetics to join our 600-strong team, contributing to scientific discovery and generating the data, insights and solutions that researchers, businesses and governments need to solve complex environmental challenges.

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you\xe2\x80\x99ll get:

27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years

10% employer pension contribution

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24 hour, 365-day access to support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues

Flexible working opportunities

And much more.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and practical individual with a passion for ecology, who thrives in a varied role of working outdoors all year round in various climates, in the glasshouse and laboratory. This opportunity includes travel for international fieldwork.

Our Research Associate programme is dedicated to supporting early careers scientists with a three-year training plan. As well as on-the-job training and self-guided learning, you\xe2\x80\x99ll have access to traditional learning, such as online and in-person courses.

Development opportunities will include:- Genetic data analysis - population genetics, genomics and quantitative trait data; Field surveying and sampling techniques; Experimental design; Molecular Biology lab skills; A wide range of transferable skills including data handing and statistical analysis, presentation, writing and scientific publication, first aid, off-road driving, and more.

You\xe2\x80\x99ll be joining our Ecology, Evolution and Environmental Change group. A diverse team, working on a wide range of questions of how plant species and communities respond to change, especially pressures of climate change and novel pests and diseases. We have a particular focus on trees and forests. Undertaking research on a range of species in the UK and internationally.

Current projects the team are working on include:-

newLEAF project: studying the rate of evolution in trees to evaluate climate change outcomes and help plan tree planting initiatives

Genetic diversity in East African trees: assessing genetic variation to understand local adaptation and identify genetic resources for conservation and use

You\xe2\x80\x99ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that\xe2\x80\x99s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Data handling, including analysis and presentation of results

Assisting in report and paper writing, presenting results to a variety of audiences

Fieldwork in the UK and overseas (for 2-3 weeks at a time) - including identification, mapping and sampling of wild plant populations

Measurement of plant populations in the wild and in experimental trials

Molecular biology lab work including sample preparation, DNA extraction, PCR, sample preparation for sequencing and genotyping, flow cytometry and archiving

For the role of Research Associate \xe2\x80\x93 Plant Ecology, we\xe2\x80\x99re looking for somebody who:

Has an undergraduate degree (2:1 or above) in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or a related discipline

Has some experience of lab and fieldwork

Has some experience of population genetic analysis

Has a full UK driving licence \xe2\x80\x93 please confirm in your CV

A willingness to travel overseas for two weeks at a time, sometimes in remote locations

Ability to work outside throughout the year in the UK and the tropics

Has an enthusiasm for ecology

An ability to work well as part of a collaborative team and independently

If we\xe2\x80\x99ve just described you, we\xe2\x80\x99d love to meet. Apply now.

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology