Laboratory and Field Research Scientist in Wallingford

Salary: £33,284 to £35,322 – Permanent.

About this role

We’re looking for a Lab and Field Research Scientist to join our Water Quality & Catchment Processes team – a well-established, nationally recognised group known for delivering high-impact environmental research. This is an opportunity to take your first step into a role that will challenge, support and grow your scientific potential. As part of our wider Water & Climate Science area, you won’t just be supporting projects – you’ll be contributing to meaningful, NERC-funded research at the forefront of environmental chemistry and freshwater science. This opportunity is ideal for a recent graduate who already has some practical experience and is ready to build on a strong foundation. You’ll be guided by our Senior Environmental Chemist, a highly experienced and well-connected leader who is passionate about supporting early-career scientists. From day one, you’ll be encouraged to develop your skills, deepen your knowledge, and grow your confidence within a collaborative, multidisciplinary team that includes internationally recognised experts.

Responsibilities

• Planning and carrying out hands‑on fieldwork across rivers, lakes and catchments, collecting high‑quality chemical and biological samples.
• Operating, calibrating and maintaining field equipment such as water‑quality sensors, probes and auto‑samplers.
• Analysing nutrients and water quality in the laboratory.
• Supporting laboratory, mesocosm, algal growth or in‑river experiments, including preparation, monitoring, sample collection and data recording.
• Checking, formatting and collating data so it is accurate, reliable and ready for use by project teams.
• Preparing simple figures, tables and summaries for project reports, presentations, web material, data submissions and scientific papers.
• Contributing ideas and practical solutions to scientific and technical challenges.
• Collaborating with scientists, technicians and project managers to deliver impactful research.
• Supporting field planning, risk assessments, equipment preparation and day‑to‑day laboratory operations.

Fieldwork and travel

While this role is primarily office-based, you’ll also spend a good proportion of your time contributing to laboratory and fieldwork activities, around 70% in the lab, 20% in the field, with the remainder supporting office‑based tasks. Fieldwork will mainly focus on local, UK‑based projects, including regular sampling across the Thames catchment, and may occasionally involve overnight stays. You’ll be comfortable working outdoors in a range of environments, including rivers and lakes, and happy adapting to changing conditions. A full UK manual driving licence is required for this role.

Qualifications

• A degree; Masters or equivalent experience in a relevant field such as environmental science, chemistry, biology, geography or hydrology.
• Practical experience in a relevant practical setting such as a laboratory, fieldwork or environmental monitoring.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow methods to produce accurate, reliable data.
• Good organisation skills, with the ability to manage tasks independently and take responsibility for your work.
• A collaborative mindset, with strong teamwork skills, accountability and a positive approach.
• Competency with standard IT tools such as Excel, Word and PowerPoint, with a willingness to develop data and analytical skills.
• Clear communication skills for working with colleagues, project teams and partners, and contributes positively to an inclusive team culture.

What will help you stand out

• Experience with water quality, nutrient, algal, microbiological or aquatic ecology methods.
• Deployment and maintenance of sondes, sensors, autosamplers or other environmental monitoring equipment.
• Working under laboratory quality systems, including sample tracking, calibration, QA/QC checks and safe chemical handling.
• Data analysis or visualisation skills, or experience with tools such as R, Python or GIS.
• Experience contributing to reports and summaries or presenting information to colleagues or partners.

What we offer

• Generous annual leave – 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure.
• 10% employer pension contribution.
• Life assurance and income protection.
• Enhanced family-friendly policies.
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts.
• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services.
• Peer recognition and rewards.
• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes.
• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply).

Our Commitment to inclusion

We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

A note on sponsorship

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.