Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management

This new 2‑year fixed‑term role has been established to help deliver a Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and Welsh Government funded research project working alongside farmers, land managers and local communities to investigate and mitigate the diverse challenges impacting water quality in the River Wye catchment.

Job Details

• Salary Grade E: £31,236 – £34,610
• Contractual hours: 37
• Basis: Full‑time
• Region: Temporary – Full‑time
• Job Type: Research
• Job reference: R09443
• Appointment: 2‑year, 1.0 FTE fixed term until 31/09/2028

Responsibilities

You will work as part of an interdisciplinary team to deliver a programme of research specifically related to the implementation of co‑designed and co‑created living labs on the River Wye. Your tasks will include:

• Implementing, monitoring and assessing the impact of interventions on water quality, both locally and at a catchment scale.
• Conducting laboratory‑based, field‑based and to a lesser degree desk‑based activities.
• Collecting and analysing water quality samples, performing chemical and/or microbiological tests.
• Using ArcGIS (ArcGIS Pro, ArcMap, or ArcGIS Online) for spatial analysis, data visualisation and mapping.

Qualifications

• BSc in a relevant science subject (essential).
• Desirable: Master’s level qualification and evidence of undertaking a relevant laboratory and/or field‑based research project.
• Practical background essential with good laboratory and field skills, experience of water quality sampling & analysis, and ability to critically assess data and results.
• Experience of using ArcGIS for spatial analysis is desirable.

Experience and Skills

Experience in an area related to the Water Sciences such as assessing river health, aquatic ecology, biogeochemistry, soil sciences, or catchment monitoring.

Location

Base: Frenchay Campus, UWE Bristol. This role is campus‑based for all time, with occasional remote field work.

Benefits

Progressive pay rates, generous annual leave, career average pension schemes, retail savings, onsite nursery, opportunities for training and personal development.

Equality and Diversity

UWE Bristol is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from disabled, neurodivergent, global majority candidates and others from all backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, you may request reasonable adjustments throughout the application and selection process.

Right to Work

Candidates must provide valid documentation confirming right to work in the UK before employment begins. The role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.

Application

To apply, complete the online application form and provide clear and relevant examples of how your skills and experience meet the criteria listed in the Person Specification.

Reasonable Adjustments

Supporting the application process: If you’re a person with a disability, if you're neurodivergent, or if you have a condition that may affect your performance during our selection process, we’ll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to our processes for you. You’ll have the opportunity to let us know about any adjustments you may need throughout the application and selection process. We’ll continue this conversation if you join us as an employee, and we’ll work with you to make sure you have the adjustments you need to succeed in your role.

• Extra time for online assessments.
• Providing alternative accessible formats.
• Interview questions in advance of the interview.
• Providing extra information about what to expect.
• Office orientation before an in‑person assessment.