Job Description

Main purpose of the jobThe James Hutton Institute undertakes research to tackle the multiple challenges we face in a changing climate. A temporary position has become available (fixed term for 10.5 months starting mid-August 2025) to contribute to soils research within the Ecological Sciences Group, a multidisciplinary team researching sustainable management of our natural resources. Soil is one of our most valuable natural resources which influences multiple ecosystem services, from storing carbon to growing food and reducing flooding. Understanding how we can optimise the use of soil, whilst maintaining soil health, is of critical importance both in the short and long term.Applicants for this exciting position should understand the multiple roles of soil, and also the importance of understanding how best to maintain and manage it. The role is both laboratory and field based with regular field sampling across Scotland.This role is for 21 hours per week.Main duties

• Manage the soil physics labs and a range of equipment
• Quantifying soil hydraulic properties including saturated hydraulic conductivity and water release characteristics
• Measuring soil parameters including soil bulk density and penetrometer resistance
• Maintaining and keeping accurate records of work performed and data collected
• Preparing required equipment for field sampling and liaising with others to co-ordinate sampling where appropriate
• Installing sensors in the field for logging environmental conditions
• Processing soil and root samples
• Contributing to knowledge exchange events, where appropriate, in showcasing the value of soils research

Qualifications/Skills/KnowledgeEssential

• BSc or HND with experience working with soil
• Research experience in lab and/or field environments
• Computer literate including spread sheets and word processing software
• Experience of both field and lab-based research
• Evidence of working in a small team
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Positive attitude and self-motivated
• Awareness of good laboratory practice including the importance of Health and Safety and Risk Assessment

Desirable

• Broad general understanding of the importance of soils in underpinning agriculture and environmental services
• Experience in the use of data loggers or other monitoring equipment
• Demonstrable experience of working with soils

The post will be based in Dundee with occasional travel required for sampling at local, and Scotland wide, research sites.What we OfferEmployee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors, psychologists, and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.Annual Leave xe2x80x93 Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.Self-managed hours and Flexible Working xe2x80x93 option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.

The James Hutton Institute