Job Profile

Core job information
Job Title / Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Dept./School/Inst. / SBCS / Section/Centre/Unit / S & E
Career Family / Academic and Education (Research) / Grade / 4
Working hours per week / 35 / Appointment period / 36 moths
Reports to (job title) / PI and Co-I / Current location / Based on the Mile End Campus
Job purpose (Why does the job exist? What is it there to achieve or deliver?)
To undertake research investigations in collaboration with and under the direct supervision of Prof Mark Trimmer and in direct collaboration with Drs. Corinne Whitby, Boyd McKew and Philippe Laissue at the University of Essex. In order to realise the objectives and development of theoverall research project‘A new dynamic for Phosphorus in RIverbed Nitrogen Cycling - PRINCe” funded by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).
Main responsibilities (Key responsibilities of the job)
  • To carry out experiments and field work (occasionally long and sustained periods including weekends against which time can be granted in lieu), both reliably and independently under the general supervision of the PI/Co-I in challenging and remote locations.
  • To be present at QMUL Mile End Campus in person during the normal office hours of the working week (unless on fieldwork or other work-related activities agreed with the PI/Co-I) to engage with the PI, Co-I and the wider research environment at SBCS
  • To gather reliable and reproducible data and design experiments properly to test hypotheses.
  • To prepare and publish research in refereed journals and to present findings to colleagues at conferences and seminars.
  • To provide guidance and training to other staff and students in specialist area as appropriate and assist with the supervision of student projects as necessary.
  • To contribute to writing bids for research funding (as appropriate).
  • To undertake such other duties as may be reasonably expected by the PI/Co-I or Head of School.
  • To maintain appropriate and secure databases and records, and maintain confidentiality of electronically stored personal data in line with the provisions of the Data Protection Act.

Working Environment (knowledge of special working practices, breadth of management skill required, customer impact, responsibility, efficiency)
  • Plan and develop, in collaboration with PI/Co-I, independent, original contributions to allocated subject area or project, using and developing as needed methodologies, techniques, critical evaluations, interpretations and analyses appropriate to the research.
  • Contribute to the work of the research team by effective decision making and organisation of resources as appropriate.

Freedom to Act & Decision Making (depth of control, supervision received, use of judgement & initiative, analytical ability)
  • Using professional knowledge, contribute to the effective management of the research project using good laboratory practices.
  • Provide advice as needed to PI/Co-I or research team.
  • Prepare manuscripts for publication and coordinate discussion regarding authorship contributions with the understanding that correspondence responsibilities remain with the PI/Co-I
  • Comply with relevant College policies and regulations with due regard to financial matters, harassment, equal opportunities, public interest disclosure, health and safety, intellectual property and patenting, data protection or any other rules, regulations or codes binding on the member of staff.

Communication & Networking (liaison with others, type and level of communications)
  • Interact internally and externally as appropriate to develop successful processes within the wider researchteam.
  • Contribute to the research environment of theresearch team and School in a manner conducive to the success of the project.
  • Attend regular meetings with PI/Co-I and attend Departmental academic activities.

Finance/Resource Management(budgeting, forecasting)
  • Monitor budgets as requested by PI/Co-I

People Management(supervisory responsibility, human relations skills)
  • Supervise staff and/or students and staff as appropriate.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time it was drawn up. Such duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.
Knowledge, Skills & Experience (work experience, qualifications, specialist training, key skills, disposition)
Requirements / Essential/Desirable
Qualifications /
  • Undergraduate degree or equivalent in relevant subject
  • PhD in relevant area or equivalent professional experience
/ E
E
Experience /
  • Experience of complex and demanding field work including sampling, process and storage of samples as appropriate.
  • Experience in the application of 15N isotopes and the fine-scale quantification of related variables e.g. O2, pH, temperature.
  • Experience with quantifying various organic and inorganic species of phosphorous
  • Appropriate publication records
/ E
E
D
D
Knowledge, skills & abilities /
  • State of the art knowledge of theN and C cycles
  • Ability to maintain accurate and up to date records
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work effectively with a range of people; excellent team-working skills
  • Ability to communicate complex information clearly in writing
  • Ability to work independently
  • Expertise in the research process
  • Proficiency in relevant models, techniques and methods
  • Ability to organise and prioritise own work and to organise research within the project timetable
  • Excellent IT skills
/ D
D
D
E
E
E
E
E
E
Attitude & disposition /
  • Self-motivated, hard-working and co-operative
  • Willingness to learn new skills
/ E
E