At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in exciting research projects focused on peatlands and environmental management.
- Company: Join the Environmental Research Institute, a leader in environmental research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 45 days annual leave, a pension scheme, and employee support programmes.
- Other info: Temporary position until March 2027 with great career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental policy while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Degree required; previous research experience is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 32891 - 35754 £ per year.
The Environmental Research Institute (ERI) is part of UHI North, West and Hebrides, Thurso, one of the academic partners of UHI. Our mission is to ‘provide dynamic leadership in research, innovation and education that advances understanding and informs management of our natural environment’. Within the ERI’s, the ‘Peatlands’ team seeks to provide underpinning evidence that can drive changes in policy and practice to ensure a resilient future for the peatlands of the Highlands and Islands region, and a just transition for its people. Our work involves many collaborative, field-based research projects in the Flow Country UNESCO World Heritage Site. To support some of these projects, we now seek to appoint a Research Assistant (Sick Cover Replacement). The successful candidate will be based in Thurso with the team.
Responsibilities
- The post holders will be responsible for assisting within a research team and working on an established research programme under general supervision.
- Managing their own activities and prioritising their own workload within agreed objectives to ensure that all activities are completed to deadlines.
- Assisting within a research project, by, for example, undertaking literature reviews, collecting and collating data and undertaking and recording the outcomes of experiments.
- Assisting with the supervision of student projects and the delivery of introductory classes.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills
The suitable candidates will have a degree and may have some previous relevant work experience.
Salary: £32,891 - £35,754 per annum, pro rata
Location: Thurso
Working Hours: 28 hours, Temporary until March 2027 for sick cover
Closing Date: 5pm, Thursday 6th August 2026
Interviews are planned from 17th August 2026 in Thurso
Benefits of working for us
- 45 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
- Local Government Pension Scheme (Highland Council)
- 10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland
- Occupational sick pay scheme and family friendly leave provisions
- Staff Support and Employee Assistance Programmes
- Employment Benefits Scheme including lifestyle savings and Cycle to Work Scheme
To Apply: For a full job description and an application form, download the pack at: Staff -Vacancies (uhi.ac.uk) or email recruitment.nwh@uhi.ac.uk
Research Assistant - Peatlands (sick cover) in Thurso employer: Caithness Business
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - Peatlands (sick cover) in Thurso
✨Get Involved in Local Projects
Dive into community projects or volunteer opportunities related to environmental engineering. Not only will this boost your experience, but it can also put you in touch with local professionals who might know of temporary roles. Plus, it's a great way to show your passion for the field!
✨Use Industry-Specific Platforms
Check out platforms like EnvironmentJobs or Ecotricity for temporary positions. These sites focus specifically on environmental roles and can give you a leg up in finding short-term gigs that match your skills.
✨Network at Environmental Events
Keep an eye out for local environmental tech meetups, conferences, or seminars. Engaging in these spaces can help you meet potential employers face-to-face and tap into the hidden job market, especially for temporary roles!
✨Leverage Our Website for Quick Applications
Don’t forget to check out temporary positions at Caithness Business through our website. Applying directly there can often fast-track your application and get you noticed quicker by hiring managers. It’s a smart move to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - Peatlands (sick cover) in Thurso
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:In the world of environmental engineering tech, it’s all about those technical skills! Make sure your CV highlights relevant software knowledge, such as CAD programs or environmental modelling software. Mention any specific projects where you applied these skills – it's a brilliant way to demonstrate your hands-on experience!
Tailor Your CV to the Job:Don’t just send out a generic CV. Take a little time to tailor it for the temporary role with Caithness Business. Focus on highlighting any experience that relates directly to the specific environmental challenges they might tackle. Relevant coursework or certifications, even if they're from a short course, can give you an edge.
Keep it Short and Sweet:Since this is a temporary position, we recommend keeping your application concise. Highlight the most relevant experience and how quickly you can adapt to the role. Brief statements about your adaptability and eagerness to contribute can make a solid impression!
Brief Motivation in Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter should express not just your qualifications but also your enthusiasm for the role at Caithness Business. Explain why you’re drawn to the temporary nature of the job and what you hope to learn. This helps show that you’re not just looking for any position, but that you genuinely care about this opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Caithness Business
✨Get Familiar with Key Engineering Tools
In environmental engineering tech, you’ll likely be quizzed on software tools like AutoCAD or GIS systems. Brush up on how you’ve used these tools in your studies or previous projects, as you might be asked technical questions that require you to explain specific applications in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Temporary positions often require quick thinking and adaptability. Be ready to discuss a project or case where you identified an environmental issue and proposed a solution. This not only highlights your analytical skills but shows you can hit the ground running—exactly what a temporary role needs!
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
Since we’re in the environmental sector, your enthusiasm for sustainable practices can be a game changer. Share any relevant coursework or volunteer activities you've engaged in that reflect your commitment. Employers love to see passion combined with practical experience.
✨Prepare for Short-Term Commitment Questions
For a temporary role, expect questions about your availability and how you manage time effectively on short-term projects. Be candid about your specific time commitment and illustrate how you've successfully completed previous assignments or internships within tight deadlines.
