Soil Ecology Research Assistant in UK

We wish to recruit an experienced Research Assistant in Soil Microbiology to join the plant-soil ecology team within the Ecological Sciences Group at our Dundee site. You will join an enthusiastic team of researchers working on the ecological functions of soil micro-organisms. In particular, your role will involve investigation of the part that the plant plays in the community dynamics and function of nitrogen cycling groups and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Main purpose of the job

We wish to appoint an experienced Research Assistant in Soil Microbiology to join the soil ecology team within the Ecological Sciences Group at the Dundee site. The post will support and expand an enthusiastic team of researchers working on the ecological functions of soil micro-organisms. In particular the group is involved in research relating to the role that the plant plays in the community dynamics and function of nitrogen cycling groups and/or arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.

Main duties of the postholder

This indefinite appointment is supported by funding from a range of sources included RESAS and external funding bodies. The post is likely to include a range of duties ranging from field and glasshouse studies and assessment of samples for functional and community dynamic analysis. If appointment is at the higher pay band there will be a requirement for more advance statistical analyses and the drafting of research papers along with more involvement with experimental design.

Academic requirements

Essential:

BSc in biological or environmental science or equivalent.

Desirable:

PhD in a relevant area of science.

Experience required

Essential:

• A thorough understanding and experience in the application of molecular techniques in soils research, this would ideally include real time PCR, high sample throughput techniques such as T-RFLP and/or high-throughput sequencing
• Experience in the measurement of soil function through a range of techniques.

Desirable:

• Experience in working with nitrogen cycling or mycorrhizal groups.
• A thorough knowledge in statistical analysis of complex data set.

Skills required

Essential:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Positive attitude with good self-motivation.
• Evidence of good record keeping.

Desirable:

• Driving licence.
• Awareness of good laboratory practice including the importance of Health and Safety and Risk Assessment.
• Evidence of good writing skills.
• Evidence of working both alone and in a small team.

• Applications

  To apply please send a CV (including the names and addresses of three referees one of which must be your current or most recent employer) and a covering letter quoting reference number JHI/38/13 to HR Office, The James Hutton Institute, Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen, AB15 8QH or vacancies@hutton.ac.uk. Closing date 14 September 2013.