At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research on ocean oxygen levels and analyse marine sediment samples.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, a leader in environmental sciences with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, 33 days annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Join a vital project addressing climate change and make a real difference in ocean science.
- Qualifications: Degree in earth/ocean sciences; lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 £ per year.
Grade and Salary: Grade 6: £31,236 - £36,636 per annum FTE
Working Pattern: The position is available for 5 months full time (1FTE) or 6 months at 0.8 FTE; flexible working is possible.
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 building‑closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday).
Purpose of Role: The role will support a UKRI funded Future Leaders Fellowship ‘Fate of ocean oxygenation in a warming world’ project with Professor Babette Hoogakker (Lyell Centre, Heriot‑Watt University). The project involves proxy reconstructions of seawater oxygen levels and outreach work. The individual will provide technical and logistical support, processing and analysing samples from marine sediment cores.
Minimum requirement: a first degree (MSc desirable) in earth and ocean sciences (including marine geology, oceanography, or marine biogeochemistry) and laboratory experience.
Key Duties & Responsibilities: To support ongoing research on oxygen levels in the oceans and provide specialist technical support in paleo‑oceanographic research, liaising directly with the line manager. Duties will involve:
- Sample preparation (weighing, sieving, drying of sediment samples)
- Identifying and picking of foraminifera
- Carrying out sedimentary and specialist foraminifera geochemical analyses in laboratory
Essential & Desirable Criteria:
Essential- A degree in environmental/earth and ocean sciences, including oceanography, marine biology, geology, biogeochemistry
- Analytical and technical problem‑solving skills
- IT skills, proficient in the use of computers and general software
- Good communication and presentation skills
- Team player with good interpersonal skills
- Demonstrate self‑motivation and desire to achieve objectives agreed with managers working towards the strategic goals set by the School
- Demonstrable ability to work quickly, flexibly and accurately in a dynamic, changing and pressured environment
- Demonstrable professional and proactive approach
- Willingness to travel and perform laboratory work with partner institutes
- A MSc degree in palaeoceanography
- Experience in identification of benthic and planktonic foraminiferal species
- Working experience in applying palaeoceanographic proxies, including running specialist laboratory equipment
- Working towards deadlines
- Experience of relevant health and safety protocols
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted up to 11:55pm (UK time) on Wednesday 17 June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place across Wednesday 24 June 2026. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot‑Watt online 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.
Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography) employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With generous benefits such as 33 days of annual leave and flexible working options, staff are empowered to balance their professional and personal lives while contributing to impactful research in paleoceanography. Located in a vibrant academic environment, employees have the unique opportunity to engage in cutting-edge projects that address critical global challenges.
Contact Details:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography)
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography)
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In geoscience, you'll likely face some technical questions related to geology, geophysics, or GIS tools. Brush up on the fundamental concepts and be prepared to talk about any software you’ve used, like ArcGIS or MATLAB, and how you applied them in your previous projects or studies.
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