At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research on ocean oxygen levels and conduct lab analyses.
- Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in innovative research and education.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working options, and a competitive salary.
- 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/ocean sciences; lab experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 £ per year.
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 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
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 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
Desirable
- A MSc degree in paleoceanography
- Experienced 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 17th June 2026. Interviews are expected to take place across Wednesday 24th June 2026. Please submit your CV & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line 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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography) in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diversity and promotes professional growth. As a Senior Laboratory Technician in Paleoceanography, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, generous holiday entitlement, and the opportunity to contribute to impactful research while being part of a supportive team dedicated to excellence in education and science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography) in Edinburgh
✨Tap into Geoscience Networks
The geoscience community is all about connections. Get in touch with local geology clubs, professional organisations like the Geological Society, or university alumni networks. Attend geology conferences and workshops to meet potential employers and showcase your enthusiasm and unique projects.
✨Leverage Seasonal Opportunities
Temporary roles in geoscience often arise during peak seasons, especially in fields like environmental consulting or research projects. Keep an eye on summer internships or short-term contracts linked to specific geological surveys or studies. This could be your foot in the door!
✨Showcase Your Field Skills
For a temporary role in geoscience, it’s crucial to demonstrate your hands-on capabilities. Create a portfolio showcasing past projects, fieldwork, or any reports you've contributed to. This is your chance to stand out from others who may not have practical experience.
✨Apply Directly – Don't Hesitate!
When you spot an open position for a temporary gig at Heriot-Watt University, apply directly through our website! Tailor your application to highlight your fieldwork and technical skills. We’re keen to see what you can bring to the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Laboratory Technician (Paleoceanography) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Projects:When applying for a temporary role in geoscience, make sure to highlight any relevant projects or fieldwork you’ve done. Include specific skills like data analysis or geological mapping in your CV. If you have conducted any research or participated in field studies, give them a shout-out!
Tailor Your CV for Geoscience:Ensure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that are relevant to geoscience. Mention any technical software you know (like GIS or MATLAB) and don't forget to highlight your field-related certifications. This will help you stand out in a competitive field!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this temporary opportunity. Talk about your passion for the earth sciences and your eagerness to contribute to specific projects. Make sure to connect your skills to what's outlined in the job description and show them you’re keen to learn and grow with us at Heriot-Watt University!
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a temporary position, being upfront about your availability is crucial. In your application, clearly mention how long you can commit and when you’re free to start. This will help Heriot-Watt University in planning projects and aligning with their needs.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨Brush Up on Your Core Concepts
For a gig in geoscience, we need to make sure we’ve got our foundational knowledge down. Make sure you can confidently discuss key concepts, methods, and tools relevant to the earth sciences. Think of recent projects or studies you’ve conducted and be ready to chat about any technical jargon that comes up.
✨Show Us Your Field Skills
Since this is a temporary role, it's all about demonstrating your practical experience. If you’ve worked with particular software or field equipment, make sure you have examples ready. Being able to explain how you've used tools like GIS or field sampling methods will really help show you’re a hands-on candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Talk About Adaptability
Temporary roles often require quick learning and flexibility, so think about experiences where you’ve had to adapt on the fly. Share a story where you needed to quickly learn something new or adjust your methods—it’ll show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment and are keen to get involved.
✨Prepare a Mini Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, showing off your past work can set you apart. Put together a mini portfolio of field reports, research papers, or even visual presentations of your work. This’ll not only demonstrate your expertise in geoscience but also your ability to communicate complex findings clearly, which is key in this field.
