Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management in Bristol

Wye Catchment Living Labs is a collaborative environmental research initiative focused on understanding and improving water quality and managing pollution within the Wye river catchment. The programme brings together researchers, local stakeholders, and policymakers to test practical, evidence‑based solutions in real‑world settings. Work is carried out across the catchment to monitor environmental change, inform sustainable land and water management, and support biodiversity. Team members contribute to applied research that supports healthier ecosystems and resilient communities.

This new Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management is a 2‑year fixed‑term role 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.

Responsibilities:

• The Research Assistant will support field and laboratory investigations related to water quality monitoring, pollutant identification, and ecosystem impacts.
• Daily tasks include collecting and processing water and sediment samples, running laboratory analyses, maintaining equipment, and accurately recording data.
• The role also involves data organization and analysis, preparing figures and summaries, contributing to technical reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders, supporting project logistics, and engaging professionally with partners and local communities as needed.

Qualifications:

• Candidates should possess strong analytical skills and data analysis capabilities for interpreting water quality and pollution‑related datasets.
• Candidates should possess solid research skills, including experimental design support, literature review, and systematic data collection.
• Candidates should possess laboratory skills relevant to water quality testing, sample handling, and safe use of analytical instruments.
• Candidates should possess effective communication skills for clear documentation, collaboration with team members, and preparation of written materials.
• Relevant academic background (e.g., environmental science, hydrology, ecology, chemistry, or related field), or equivalent practical experience.
• Attention to detail, strong organisational skills, and the ability to follow standard operating procedures and health and safety guidelines.
• Comfort with fieldwork in varying weather conditions and environments, including travel within the catchment as required.
• Experience with statistical software or GIS tools, and familiarity with UK or EU water quality standards, is beneficial.
• You should be able to work and communicate efficiently with other researchers, including supervisors, students, technicians, and post‑doctoral researchers who may have very different backgrounds to your own.

Benefits:

• Salary offers are made in line with the University’s salary assessment guidelines, reflecting your relevant skills and experience in parity with colleagues.
• Additional employee benefits include progressive pay rates, generous annual leave and a career average pension scheme, as well as retail savings, onsite nursery and opportunities for training and personal development.

Employment Terms:

• 2‑year fixed‑term full‑time position (1.0 FTE) until 31/09/2028.
• Job‑share available for part‑time applicants.
• Right to work in the UK required; no visa sponsorship—this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship.
• Salary in line with University salary assessment guidelines.

EEO Statement:

We particularly encourage applications from global majority candidates as we are currently under‑represented in this area; all appointments are made strictly on individual merit. As a Disability Confident employer, we encourage applications from disabled or neurodivergent candidates.

Contact:

If you would like to speak to us to find out more about this role, please contact Dr Robin Thorn on 0117 328 7655 or email: Robin2.Thorn@uwe.ac.uk.