At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research on ocean oxygen levels and conduct laboratory analyses.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, competitive salary, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in climate science while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in earth or 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
Contract Type: Full Time (1FTE), Fixed Term for 6 months. Part-time working is available.
Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings-closed days (and Christmas Eve when it falls on a weekday)
Purpose of Role: The role will be supporting 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 will involve proxy reconstructions of seawater oxygen levels and outreach work. The individual will provide technical and logistical support. The applicant would be processing and analysing samples from marine sediment cores and require as a minimum a first degree (MSc desirable) in earth and ocean sciences (includes marine geology, oceanography, or marine biogeochemistry) and experience of working in a laboratory.
Key Duties & Responsibilities: To support ongoing research on oxygen levels in the oceans and provide specialist technical support in paleoceanographic 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
Education, Qualifications and Experience:
Essential:- A degree in environmental/earth and ocean sciences, including oceanography, marine biology, geology, biogeochemistry
- Experienced in identification of benthic and planktonic foraminiferal species
- 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 the 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 paleoceanography
- Working experience in applying palaeoceanographic proxies, including running specialist laboratory equipment
- Working towards deadlines
- Experience of relevant health and safety protocols
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.
About the Team: The School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) provides a collaborative research and teaching environment organised into our five institutes:
- Institute of Sustainable Built Environment (ISBE)
- The Institute of Life and Earth Sciences (ILES)
- The Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering (IGE)
- TUI and ISPHERE have been replaced by the Institute for Place, Environment and Society
In addition to our four institutes, the International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) in Orkney is a specialised arm of the Institute of Life and Earth Sciences.
Our Programmes: Within our core disciplines we offer research-led programmes of undergraduate and postgraduate study, many of which provide professionally-accredited qualifications. Our programmes are often highly rated in national surveys. Consequently, our graduates are highly sought after by employers worldwide. We pride ourselves on our international activities. Many of our programmes are also offered at our Dubai Campus and our Malaysia Campus. Online study is also an option for some postgraduate degrees, facilitating learning in any country in the world. We strive for excellence in our support to all students studying with us and our staff are committed to providing educational and professional support that is fair, friendly and timely.
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.
Senior LaboratoryTechnician (Paleoceanography) employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation within the Creative Environments team. With generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave and a commitment to employee growth through research leadership and teaching opportunities, this role at our Scottish Borders campus provides a unique chance to shape the future of interior architecture education while contributing to impactful community projects and international research networks.
Contact Details:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior LaboratoryTechnician (Paleoceanography)
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
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Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior LaboratoryTechnician (Paleoceanography)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia to drive research projects forward.
