Job Description

Senior Research Technician in Biogeochemistry (110404-0425)

=================================================================


Location
University of Warwick Campus, Coventry
Department
School of Life Sciences
Position Type
Fixed Term
Duration
30th June 2028. Maximum 36 months, the duration may need to be shortened up to a max 32.5 months depending on the starting salary of the successful candidate.
Salary
30,805 - 34,132 per annum
About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Ryan Mushinski (Associate Professor) Ryan.Mushinski@warwick.ac.uk

We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Research Technician to join an exciting NERC-funded research project investigating Nitrous Acid (HONO) production in soils and its effects on carbon and nitrogen cycling. This position offers an exceptional opportunity to work within a multidisciplinary team researching the microbial and molecular mechanisms behind HONO emissions from soil, with significant implications for understanding climate change feedbacks.


The technician will provide key technical support to post-doctoral researchers and principal investigators, specifically working on molecular techniques to understand how ammonia-oxidising bacteria and archaea contribute to HONO production. The role involves extensive laboratory work with pure microbial cultures, soil incubations, RNA/DNA extractions, PCR, molecular analyses, and managing laboratory equipment.


This is a unique opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research at the interface of environmental microbiology, soil biogeochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry, with the potential to influence future climate change modelling and sustainable land management practices.


We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences.


About You
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in molecular biological techniques and plant handling, with a strong background in planning and executing laboratory experiments. You should be comfortable working in both laboratory and greenhouse environments, with experience in managing day-to-day project activities, including equipment maintenance and purchasing consumables.


You will have excellent communication skills, demonstrated by your ability to take an active role in laboratory meetings, present research findings, and draft results for scientific publications. Experience in supervising less experienced staff and students would be advantageous.


A vocational qualification at NVQ Level 4, HNC/HND, or education to 'A' level standard in biology or chemistry and/or a relevant science subject is essential, though a degree in a related subject area (e.g., Environmental Science, Microbiology, Soil Science) would be desirable.


Knowledge of soil biogeochemistry, nitrogen cycling, or microbial ecology would be particularly valuable for this position.


For further information regarding the skills required for this role please see the personal specification section of the attached job description.



About the Department
The School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick is a vibrant research environment with world-class facilities and expertise across a range of disciplines. This project brings together researchers from different specialties, creating an exciting interdisciplinary team studying the connections between microbial processes, soil biogeochemistry, and atmospheric chemistry.


The core team is comprised of Dr Ryan Mushinski (Project Lead) who has broad expertise in nitrogen cycle biogeochemistry, Prof Gary Bending (Project Co-Lead) who has expertise in soil surface processes, and Prof James Covington (Project Co-Lead) who has expertise in environmental engineering and sensor development. The team also includes specialists in X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy, Raman Spectroscopy, and nitrogen cycle biogeochemistry.


You will be joining a collaborative and supportive team at the forefront of research into soil nitrogen cycling and its impacts on climate.


School of Life Sciences


For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at


http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci

We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent environment; this ethic has enabled us to gain an Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you are excited by this role, we encourage you to apply, even if your past experience does not match exactly. We also encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics.



About the University
Born in the 60s with a mindset of boldness, imagination and collaboration, the University of Warwick is a world-leading research-intensive university with the highest academic and research standards. We're one of the world's top universities, ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK, with 92% of our research assessed to be 'world leading or internationally excellent'*.


You'll be joining a diverse, innovative and globally connected community committed to igniting real world progress. Here at Warwick, we offer you opportunities to follow your ambitions as long as you bring the energy and determination to succeed.

QS World University Rankings 2024

Research Excellence Framework 2021


To find out more about us visit our website.



How to Apply

CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 20th May 2025 at 23:55 (BST)

To apply, submit an application form by the closing date.


Please plan for any potential delays as you will not be able to submit an application form past this deadline (even if you opened the form at, say, 23:30).


You will have to attach a CV and a cover letter.

Your

CV

should include your employment history (including your most recent employment), your education history, and any other relevant experience. Your

cover letter

should explain your

motivations for applying

to the role. It should also explain, using examples, how you meet each of the

essential and desirable criteria

detailed in the Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.