Research Associate in River Ecology in Loughborough

The University is dedicated to supporting an equitable, diverse, and inclusive environment - to create better futures, together. The diverse backgrounds, characteristics and opinions within our community are our great strength and are key to our pursuit of delivering educational excellence, enterprise, research and professional services. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and minoritized groups as they are currently under-represented within our community.

We recognise the value of a fulfilling and balanced work and personal life which promotes wellbeing. We seek to support colleagues in achieving this balance and have family-friendly policies, flexible working arrangements and many roles can be suitable for dynamic working arrangement. This includes considering applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.

This post provides an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background (in freshwater ecology or biogeomorphology) to work on the 3-year NERC funded Pushing the Frontiers Project “The impact of cohesive material on critical shear stress in gravel bed rivers”. This post will be based in the Department of Geography and Environment, but the successful applicant will spend the majority of their time working at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The post-holder is integral to the success of the project and will require high-level freshwater macroinvertebrate and sediment-process knowledge, with experience in fieldwork and physical experiments. The post holder will have a scientific degree or equivalent experience and a PhD in a relevant research area. The Research Associate will undertake the specific tasks outlined in the project, assisted by the project investigator and will have access to an established researcher-development programme in which the RA will participate in terms of their personal development.

Geography and Environment is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. The facilities and technical expertise are world class with scientists who have strong track records of pioneering new ways of working. The department hosts cutting-edge equipment and facilities in the world class ‘River Science’, ‘Sediments and Soils’ and ‘Ecology’ laboratories. The department is a multi-disciplinary unit with strong international reputation in river science and aquatic ecology.

You should have current or recent work experience at postgraduate level involving fieldwork and physical experiments associated with macroinvertebrate habitat and ecology. You should have excellent working knowledge of UK freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling and species level identification. You should be able to work away from home to complete fieldwork campaigns lasting several days, with overnight stays.

Staff from under-represented groups in higher education and the discipline, including those from racialised minorities, who have a physical or invisible disability, or are neurodivergent, are particularly encouraged to apply. The University is a Disability Confident employer, a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion Scheme and holds Race Equality Charter and Athena SWAN bronze awards.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact ssh.hr@lboro.ac.uk. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job. The Research Associate will work in collaboration with other team members based at Durham University and Manchester Metropolitan University.

At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

• Generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.
• Access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park.
• Competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.
• Support for you and those close to you through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.
• Discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.
• Access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.