At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data and develop algorithms for innovative water resource protection projects.
- Company: Lancaster University, a leader in research and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible benefits, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative project with opportunities for professional development and networking.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental protection while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and strong programming skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Lancaster University is seeking to appoint 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. It is a collaborative project between Lancaster University and JBA Consulting focused on water resource protection, with use cases related to monitoring of Source Protection Zones (SPZs). You will work at the interface of academic research and applied innovation, helping translate research into evidence suitable for commercial and regulatory deployment.
Location
This study is located within the JBA hub at Lancaster University, embedded within LEC, with occasional travel to JBA Group's Head Office in Skipton.
Responsibilities
- Collate and analyse EO data.
- Assess, design and implement downscaling algorithms.
- Scope algorithm integration into analytical workflows.
- Write up findings for presentations and possible publication.
- Disseminate findings to key stakeholders.
- Maintain information security, ethical and quality standards.
Qualifications
- 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 in 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 to those with parental or caring responsibilities.
- Additional flexible benefits.
- Bespoke researcher induction/development programme.
- Varied organisational development programme.
- Researcher development days.
Research Associate/Senior Research Associate employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University offers an exceptional work environment for Research Associates/Senior Research Associates, combining cutting-edge academic research with practical applications in water resource protection. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, generous leave, and a family-friendly approach, alongside tailored development programmes that foster both personal and professional growth. Located within the vibrant JBA hub at Lancaster University, this role provides unique opportunities to engage with industry leaders while contributing to impactful research.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Senior Research Associate
✨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
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.
