Research Associate School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences 106940 Grade 6

Birmingham - UK

Monthly Salary: £ 33002 - 35608

Posted on: 19 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Description

Position Details

School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 33002 to 35608 with potential progression once in post to 39906

Grade: 6

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to August 2028

Closing date: 24th February 2026

UK and International travel may be required for this role

Please note: We are advertising for both a Research Associate (106940) 8660 and a Research Fellow (106939) 8684 however there is only 1 post available.

Background

The recruited research associate will be working on the NERC Environmental Challenges grant P-FASE: Advancing And Integrating Knowledge And Data On PFAS Sources Fate And Risks For UK the School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences research will be complete in the Water Sciences division working on the fate and transport of Per-(poly)-fluorinated substances (PFAS).

PFAS are a diverse set of chemicals with different structures and functional groups. There are currently major gaps in our knowledge of how different PFAS occur and behave in the environment.

For example we do not know all the sources of these chemicals; how their different properties affect how long they persist and transform; there in the environment the various PFAS forms go; and how they accumulate in and affect organisms. Fate and exposure experiments and modelling are essential approaches for predicting and assessing the movement and bioavailability of chemicals in the environment.

The post holder will be expected to conduct laboratory and field analytical research to study the environmental fate and transport of different PFAS at surface water - sediment interfaces. For this experiences in working with artificial flow simulators (flumes) such as the Birmingham EcoLab ( will be highly desired.

Role Summary

Work within specified research grants and/or projects
Operate within area of specialism
Contribute to publications
Work on Mesocosm experiments
Support field campaigns to collect samples

Main Duties

Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews
Analyse research data as directed
Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
Develop or adapt techniques models and methods
Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
Mesocosm experiment setup and operation
Collection of simulate fate and transport experiments sediment cores and water
Analysis methods for pollutant identification
Active field sampling (soil and groundwater)
Design and conduct flume experiments and manipulations

Person Specification

Degree or equivalent in relevant subject area
Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques
Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
Ability to access and organise resources successfully
Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
Knowledge of pollutant transport experiments
Fate and transport modelling and measurements
Fate processing experiments (flumes columns)
Toxicology
Experience of mesocosm experiments
Experience of fate and transport experiments
Experience of fieldwork to collect samples for pollutant analysis

Desirable

Experience in working with flumes and artificial rivers

Informal enquiries to Suman Hira email:

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.

Required Experience:

DescriptionPosition DetailsSchool of Geography Earth and Environmental SciencesLocation: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UKFull time starting salary is normally in the range 33002 to 35608 with potential progression once in post to 39906Grade: 6Full Time Fixed Term contract up to Augus...