We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed PhD level Soil Ecologist/ Biogeochemist, working in the area of biogeochemical cycling (CNP), microbiology or nutrient cycling to work with soil scientists, biogeochemists and modellers in developing a strong soils related research program. CEH conducts research to develop solutions to pressing environmental problems such as climate change, environmental pollution and biodiversity loss. Research will underpin a number of projects concerning impacts of land use, climate change and air pollution on catchment processes and ecosystem service delivery. The initial focus of the work will be taking a lead managing the soils research activities for a long term climate change experiment. You will also undertake soil process studies and data integration activities to contribute to our soil ecosystem services research portfolio.

The post is based at CEH Bangor in North Wales on the edge of the scenic Snowdonia National park working in a growing and enthusiastic multi-disciplinary team. The primary roles of this post will be to:

• Contribute to innovative research programs in soil science/biogeochemistry within CEH.
• Coordinate soils research and experimental site management for soil carbon, nutrient cycling, mass fluxes and soil functioning climate experiments and land use change experiments.
• Take a lead coordinating current activities at our long term climate change experimental facilities (www.increase-infrastructure.eu). Synthesize data and take responsibility for both leading and contributing to peer review papers concerning this study
• Contribute to the ongoing CEH research effort on soils, bridging soil physics, chemistry and biology to understand soil ecosystem service delivery.

Skills Required

• You must have a PhD degree in an aspect of Environmental Science, with a specialization in biogeochemistry, soil science or microbiology.
• Competence in soil sampling and measurement techniques must be demonstrated, experience with the latest isotopic methods could be a distinct advantage.
• You will have worked with carbon/nutrient or biogeochemical cycling in soils and demonstrate a track record of peer reviewed publications in these topics.
• Knowledge of plant / soil interactions and the ability to upscale through the use of models or GIS would be of benefit.
• The post requires good team-working and organizational skills, including an ability to communicate effectively with a range of different specialists and non-specialists.
• Good numeracy and data handling skills are required as well as a willingness to travel in the UK and internationally to project meetings and conferences.
• You will need an ability to work independently in the field, walking to field sites carrying field equipment, in sometimes remote upland rugged conditions working around any problems encountered.
• You will require a driving license.

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre; to apply please visit our job board at http://www.topcareer.jobs/ and complete an online application. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, Please quote reference number IRC92371.

Closing Date: 24 May 2013

Interview Date: 02 July 2013