At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse Earth-Observation data and develop algorithms for innovative water-resource protection.
- Company: Lancaster University, collaborating with JBA Consulting on impactful environmental projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, pension scheme, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and equality in higher education.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental research while working with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills in Python or R.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 per annum (Full‑Time, indefinite contract with end date)
Closing Date: Sunday 21 June 2026
Overview of the Project
We are seeking a Research Associate/Senior Research Associate for the Downscaling and Integration of Coarse Open Data for Enhanced Rapid Analytics EPSRC Impact Acceleration Account (IAA) project. This full‑time post is funded for 15.5 weeks and will be offered at grade 6 or grade 7. The project is a collaboration between Lancaster University and JBA Consulting, focusing on water‑resource protection and Source Protection Zones (SPZs). The role sits at the interface of academic research and applied innovation, translating research into evidence suitable for commercial and regulatory deployment.
Role Responsibilities
- Collate and analyse Earth‑Observation data.
- Assess, design and implement down‑scaling algorithms.
- Scope algorithm integration into analytical workflows.
- Write up findings for presentations and publication.
- Disseminate findings to key stakeholders.
- Maintain information security, ethical and quality standards.
About You
- PhD (completed or near completion) in statistics, applied mathematics, geospatial/ environmental data science or computer science.
- Demonstrable programming skills (Python, R) and experience handling spatial datasets.
- Experience with probabilistic modelling, geostatistics or machine learning.
- Ability to work independently while engaging effectively with academic and industry sectors.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with annual reviews.
- Generous employer pension scheme.
- Generous leave entitlement.
- Family‑friendly approach for parental or caring responsibilities.
- Additional flexible benefits.
EEO Statement
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, equality of opportunity and addressing inequality in higher education.
Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - 0463-26 employer: Lancaster University
At Lancaster University, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and professional growth. Our Research Associate/Senior Research Associate role provides a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research while enjoying competitive salaries, generous leave entitlements, and a family-friendly approach to work-life balance. Located in the vibrant community of Bailrigg, Lancaster, our commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures a welcoming environment for all employees.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - 0463-26
✨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!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
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 Lancaster University, 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
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lancaster University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Senior Research Associate - 0463-26
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 Lancaster University. 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 Lancaster University. 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 Lancaster University
✨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 Lancaster University. 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 Lancaster University to drive research projects forward.
