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- Tasks: Join us in researching circular economies for mineral raw materials and technology metals.
- Company: The British Geological Survey is a leading geoscience research center focused on environmental solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, 30 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make an impact in sustainability while collaborating with experts and presenting at conferences.
- Qualifications: MSc or PhD in relevant fields; experience with mineral raw materials and data analysis is preferred.
- Other info: Opportunities for travel and engagement with diverse teams await you!
The predicted salary is between 41344 - 45479 £ per year.
Salary: D/S2 salary is £41,344 to £45,479 (depending on skills and experience)
A great benefits package is offered, including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, but this role does require regular onsite attendance)
Location: BGS headquarters in Keyworth in Nottingham
Closing date: Monday 13 January 2025
About the role
We are undertaking important research exploring how to build a circular economy for mineral raw materials, including technology metals crucial to the UK economy. We lead the development of a UK technology metals observatory ( and as part of this, we develop stocks and flows models for a range of technology metals. Our focus on sustainable development in the minerals sector requires growing this work to cover a range of mineral raw materials. We are seeking a suitably experienced material systems researcher to supplement the existing research team. The key duties/responsibilities of the role will include:
- Assist with the development of system dynamics models and towards the future development of the technology metals observatory.
- Collate, process and analyse a range of physical, environmental, economic and social data associated with mineral raw materials to enable a comprehensive view of the resource/environmental/socio-economic opportunities and challenges for the UK, and opportunities for interventions through circular economy and sustainability strategies.
- Collaborator engagement to generate new data and information essential for the modelling work, and to assist with scientific reports and peer-reviewed journal papers.
- Presentation of the work to key project partners and collaborators in government and industry, and at UK and international conferences.
About you
Do you have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post-qualification experience, or a PhD in a related field (for example geology, industrial ecology, sustainable resource management)? Previous experience in working with mineral raw material and technology metals is highly desirable.
You will provide the expertise required to develop material flow analysis (MFA) models for mapping the stocks and flows of mineral raw material value chains within the UK. The work will be mostly UK-based but there will likely be opportunities to travel for research purposes (e.g., partner engagement, conference attendance).
As part of a larger community of researchers and geoscientists in BGS and project partner organisations, you will be expected to share your knowledge and help with the development of new research ideas and projects. In addition, you will possess excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.
The additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).
- Educated to 2:1 in a relevant degree (e.g., in geology, industrial ecology, sustainability or life cycle analysis) and have either an MSc with sufficient relevant post-qualification experience or a PhD in a subject relevant to the post (S)
- Completion of material flow analysis (MFA) modules as part of undergraduate or postgraduate degree PLUS applied knowledge of MFA arising from use in project/thesis work (S)
- Experience in developing stocks and flows models (including material flow analysis, input-output analysis) as well as experience in collating, processing, analysing data on materials flows and modifying models accordingly (S&I)
- A record of accomplishment of scientific writing and publication in peer-review journals and technical reports (S&I)
- Knowledge of the concept of the circular economy (CE) and knowledge in system dynamic modelling (S&I)
- Knowledge in using design and visualisation tools e.g., Sankey diagrams (I)
- Ability to work within a variety of teams, with an interest to engage with specialists from other areas (S&I)
- You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)
- Experience in working with technology metals and experience in life cycle assessment (S&I)
- Experience in conducting collaborator engagement and structured interviews for collating new data (I)
- Knowledge of python programming and in using software packages for system dynamic modelling (I)
About us
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world-leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 13 January 2025 . Interviews are expected to be held in late January 2025 in Nottingham.
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Material Systems Research Analyst employer: International Society for Industrial Ecology
Contact Detail:
International Society for Industrial Ecology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Material Systems Research Analyst
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the concept of circular economy and how it relates to mineral raw materials. Understanding this will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to sustainable practices, which is a key focus for us.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current research and publications related to material flow analysis (MFA) and technology metals. Being able to discuss recent findings or trends in these areas during your interview can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of geoscience and sustainability. Attend relevant conferences or webinars where you can meet potential collaborators and gain insights into ongoing projects that align with our work at BGS.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to showcase your experience with data analysis and system dynamics modeling. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects, as this will be crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Material Systems Research Analyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is specifically tailored to the Material Systems Research Analyst position. Highlight relevant experience, particularly in mineral raw materials, technology metals, and any system dynamics modeling you've done.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should clearly outline your suitability for the role. Provide specific examples of how your skills and experiences align with the essential and desirable criteria mentioned in the job description.
Demonstrate Your Knowledge: In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the circular economy and material flow analysis. Mention any relevant projects or research that showcase your expertise in these areas.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, thoroughly proofread your CV and cover letter. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are clear and professional. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Society for Industrial Ecology
✨Showcase Your Relevant Experience
Make sure to highlight your MSc or PhD experience, especially if it relates to geology, industrial ecology, or sustainable resource management. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've applied material flow analysis (MFA) and how it contributed to your understanding of mineral raw materials.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of Circular Economy
Familiarize yourself with the concept of the circular economy and be ready to discuss how it applies to mineral raw materials. Think of examples where you have engaged in sustainability strategies and how they can be implemented in the context of the UK’s technology metals observatory.
✨Prepare for Data Analysis Questions
Expect questions about your experience in collating, processing, and analyzing data related to materials flows. Be ready to explain your approach to developing stocks and flows models and any software tools you have used, such as Python or visualization tools like Sankey diagrams.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to present your previous research findings and be ready to engage in discussions about your work with collaborators and project partners.
