Job Description

Key duties and responsibilities

The Research Assistant (RA) will conduct research on the BBSRC/NERC (SARIC) funded project “Restoring soil quality through re-integration of leys and sheep into arable rotations” which is looking at novel ways of managing agricultural land and the impacts it has on the soil health. The project is in collaboration with the Universities of Sheffield, Birmingham, Bangor, NIAB and Rothamsted Research.

 

The successful applicant will be based at the Institute of Infrastructure and Environment at Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh. The research to be undertaken has two components. First, to assess the physical characteristics of the soil under different land management practices through field experimentation and laboratory testing for properties such as infiltration rates, bulk density, hydraulic conductivity etc. This will involve occasional visits to field sites throughout the UK. The second part of the research will be use hydrological modelling to upscale the effects of leys and rotations on catchment scale hydrology and flooding.

A good degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or related field; and interests related to soil hydrology and flooding, is essential. Applicants must also have excellent data collection, measurement and analysis skills, proven capability in the use of appropriate data handling software and GIS, and good knowledge soil hydrological processes. Enthusiasm for working with natural processes for flood management and the ability to work in a team are important.

The post is available on a fixed-term basis for 22 months in the first instance, but continuation to a funded PhD is likely to be possible.

The successful appointee will be expected to undertake the following:

• Collect soil samples and cores from field sites throughout UK
• Carry out field experimentation for properties such as Infiltration and Compaction
• Laboratory testing for physical soil properties including how water interacts with soil.
• Analyse data associated with the above experiments
• Set up and apply hydrological models to test impact of soil structure on flooding at the catchment scale
• Liaise with the rest of the project team to provide data and assistance where needed.
• Write research papers suitable for publication in high quality academic journals and for presentation at specialist scientific conferences.
• Assist academic staff with the teaching and supervision of undergraduate students.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and the role holder may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post. Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. A flexible working schedule may be required to meet all key duties and responsibilities.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Education, qualifications and experience A first degree in Geography, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering or related field Experience of conducting research in soil hydrology and/or flood risk. Experience of working as part of a multi-disciplinary team Excellent IT skills Good team player with good interpersonal skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills including presentation skills and the ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders Numerical modelling (i.e. hydrological or hydraulic modelling) experience.