At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on nature-based solutions for water security and improve biodiversity.
- Company: Join Water Resources East in partnership with the University of East Anglia.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, health insurance, and flexible working hours.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental sustainability while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate research qualification or equivalent experience required.
- Other info: Hybrid working with regular site visits across beautiful East Anglia.
The predicted salary is between 33000 - 46000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join Water Resources East (WRE), in partnership with the University of East Anglia (UEA), to help advance the evidence base for nature-based solutions (NbS) in delivering water security.
Two-year fixed term contract: Full time (37 hours per week), with possibility of part time and/or flexible working hours. This post is available from 1 April 2026 on a fixed-term basis for 24 months.
Contract details: The postholder will be employed by WRE but seconded to the University of East Anglia.
Location: Hybrid working arrangement, combining home working and working space at the University of East Anglia campus. The position will also require regular site visits across Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, North Suffolk and North Essex.
Salary: £38,784 per annum with annual increment (Grade 7 on the UEA single salary spine).
Attractive benefits package: 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays in England, increasing by 1 day each full year of service to a maximum of 30 days. Plus performance-related bonus scheme, pension scheme, health and wellbeing benefits.
Please note that this position is only open to candidates who have the right to work in the UK. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept applications from candidates based overseas.
The opportunity: This role will focus on demonstrating the effectiveness of NbS in improving water resources and water quality, alongside additional benefits such as natural flood management and improving biodiversity. The postholder will be employed by WRE with a substantive post managed by WRE’s Head of Catchment Operations. The post will be seconded to the University of East Anglia for the term of the contract and managed and mentored by Professor Kevin Hiscock and Associate Professor Richard Cooper in the School of Environmental Sciences. The two organisations will work together to ensure the postholder is well supported with their wellbeing and their work.
Qualifications and requirements: You will have a relevant postgraduate level research qualification or equivalent professional experience. Ability to travel independently to project sites is essential – you will need a full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle insured for business use.
- WRE offers an attractive benefits package:
- 26 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day per full year of service to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Performance-related bonus scheme of up to 8% of gross salary per annum
- Employer pension contributions up to 12% of gross salary
- Full health insurance
- Flexible working hours
- Monthly in-person team meetups (e.g. in Norwich, London or Cambridge)
- Budget for ongoing training and conference attendance for professional development
- Annual membership fees paid for your chosen professional body
Closing date and interview: Closing date: Sunday 22 February 2026. Interview information: Thursday 5 March 2026 at University of East Anglia.
For further information, please see the Job Description. For an informal discussion about the post please contact Hannah Gray via email: hannahgray@wre.org.uk.
Application instructions: Please send a CV (maximum 2 pages plus publication history) and a covering letter (maximum 1 page) to Hannah Gray via the “Apply” button above (E: hannahgray@wre.org.uk).
Senior Research Associate in Norwich employer: Uag
Contact Detail:
Uag Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate in Norwich
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, especially those connected to Water Resources East or the University of East Anglia. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching nature-based solutions and their impact on water security. Show us you’re passionate and knowledgeable about the subject – it’ll make you stand out!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions. We all know the usual ones, but think about how your experience aligns with the job description. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate in Norwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Research Associate role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with nature-based solutions and water security. We want to see how your background fits into our mission!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to WRE and UEA. Keep it concise, but make sure to showcase your enthusiasm for advancing evidence in water resources.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Since this is a research-focused position, be sure to highlight any relevant postgraduate qualifications or professional experiences. We’re keen to see how your research skills can help us demonstrate the effectiveness of nature-based solutions.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uag
✨Know Your NbS Inside Out
Make sure you understand nature-based solutions (NbS) and their impact on water security. Brush up on recent studies and examples that demonstrate their effectiveness, as this will show your passion and expertise during the interview.
✨Prepare for Site Visit Questions
Since the role involves regular site visits, be ready to discuss your experience with fieldwork and how you approach data collection in various environments. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed similar tasks.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This position is a partnership between WRE and UEA, so highlight your teamwork skills. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've worked effectively with others, especially in research settings or interdisciplinary projects.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the role, the team dynamics, or ongoing projects. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.