Research Associate – Plant Ecology
Poste de Research Associate en Écologie Végétale
Opportunité au UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Titre du poste : Research Associate – Plant Ecology
Entreprise : UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
Salaire : £30,684 – £32,563 par an
Localisation : Édimbourg
Type de contrat : Permanent
Date limite de candidature : Possibilité de clôture anticipée si le candidat idéal est trouvé.
Description du poste
Une occasion unique s’ouvre pour rejoindre un groupe dynamique consacré à l’écologie et à l’évolution au sein du UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH). Ce poste est axé sur des recherches concernant l’écologie des espèces et la réponse des communautés aux changements environnementaux, incluant les défis posés par le changement climatique et les maladies émergentes. Le travail couvre à la fois les forêts indigènes du Royaume-Uni et des écosystèmes tropicaux, offrant ainsi un impact concret sur des enjeux écologiques globaux.
Responsabilités principales
Le candidat retenu sera chargé de plusieurs tâches, notamment :
- Établir, maintenir et évaluer des plantes dans des essais expérimentaux, tant en plein air qu’en verre.
- Mesurer les populations de plantes dans la nature, y compris à travers des travaux de terrain au Royaume-Uni et à l’étranger.
- Réaliser des travaux de biologie moléculaire, notamment la préparation d’échantillons et l’extraction d’ADN.
- Gérer les espaces de verre et de laboratoire.
- Assurer le traitement et l’analyse des données.
- Aider à la rédaction de rapports et d’articles, ainsi qu’à la présentation des résultats.
Aucune semaine ne ressemble à l’autre, allant de l’analyse en laboratoire à des expeditions sur le terrain.
Profil recherché
Nous recherchons un(e) candidat(e) qui :
- Détient un diplôme de 2:1 ou supérieur en écologie, biologie évolutive ou dans un domaine connexe.
- Possède une expérience pratique en laboratoire et en extérieur, avec des compétences pour gérer des environnements de verre et de laboratoire.
- Est passionné(e) par l’écologie et aime travailler en extérieur tout au long de l’année.
- Est disposé(e) à voyager à l’étranger pour des séjours prolongés, y compris dans des endroits reculés.
- Peut travailler efficacement de manière autonome et en équipe.
- Possède un permis de conduire britannique valide, étant essentiel pour le travail de terrain.
Le candidat idéal doit apprécier l’équilibre entre le travail de terrain et en laboratoire, et être motivé par les recherches écologiques ayant un impact réel.
Avantages
Le UKCEH offre un package d’avantages complet, incluant :
- 27 jours de congés annuels (29 jours après cinq ans) + 3 jours supplémentaires pour la fermeture de Noël.
- 10 % de cotisation à la pension par l’employeur.
- Options de travail flexibles et hybrides.
- Reconnaissance et récompenses entre pairs.
- Assurance dentaire, réductions sur les activités sportives, et un portail de réductions commerciales.
- Congés parentaux améliorés.
- Soutien 24 heures sur 24 pour des problèmes physiques, mentaux ou financiers.
Processus de candidature
Les intéressés sont encouragés à soumettre leur CV accompagné d’une lettre de motivation mettant en avant leurs compétences et expériences pertinentes. Le UKCEH s’engage à favoriser un environnement de travail inclusif. Nous encourageons particulièrement les candidatures de personnes neurodivergentes et celles en situation de handicap.
Remarque importante : Bien que la bourse de visa ne soit pas disponible, cette position peut être éligible pour soutenir une demande de visa de talent global.
Pour postuler et en savoir plus sur cette opportunité passionnante, suivez le lien vers l’annonce.
Dans le cadre de cette recherche de talent, le UKCEH affirme sa volonté de recruter des personnes qualifiées et motivées contribuant à la prospérité de l’environnement et de la société.
📅 Date de publication de l’offre : Wed, 11 Jun 2025 00:14:51 GMT
🏢 Entreprise : UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology
📍 Lieu : Edinburgh
💼 Intitulé du poste : Research Associate – Plant Ecology
💶 Rémunération proposée : £30684 – 32563 per year
📝 Description du poste : Salary – £30,684 – £32,563
Permanent
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early. * Please note that Interviews are expected to be held on 14 & 15 July 2025.A unique and exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to join our Ecology and Evolution group, part of the UKCEH Biodiversity and Land Use Science Area.This is a chance to be part of a dynamic and supportive team tackling big ecological questions – from how species and communities respond to environmental change, to the growing pressures of climate change, invasive pests and emerging diseases. Our work is global in scope but grounded in real-world impact.With a particular focus on trees and forests, you’ll contribute to research spanning the UK’s native woodlands through to boreal, temperate and tropical ecosystems around the world. If you’re passionate about ecology and biodiversity, enjoy variety in your work, and are keen to make a difference through practical, applied research, this could be the perfect next step in your career.This post is part of our 3-year Research Associate programme, designed to support early career scientists with a personalised training and development plan. Alongside hands-on experience and self-guided learning, you’ll have access to a wide range of formal training opportunities – from in-person workshops to online courses. As part of the role, you’ll gain practical skills across a variety of areas, including field surveying, botanical identification, sampling techniques, experimental design, molecular biology, data handling, and more. You’ll also have the chance to complete additional training such as first aid and off-road driving – all supporting your growth as a well-rounded, field-ready researcher.We’re looking for someone who’s as passionate about the natural world as they are practical – someone who thrives on variety, loves being outdoors in all weathers, and is equally at home in a field site, a glasshouse, or a laboratory. This role suits a curious and hands-on ecologist who enjoys getting stuck in, whether that’s hiking to a remote tropical site to collect samples, preparing a glasshouse trial over summer, or spending a few focused weeks in the lab processing field data.You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.Your main responsibilities will include:
- Establishing, maintaining and measuring plants in experimental trials in the field and in glasshouses
- Measurement of plant populations in the wild – including fieldwork in the UK and overseas
- Molecular biology lab work including sample preparation, DNA extraction and archiving
- Management of glasshouse and laboratory areas
- Data handling and analysis
- Assisting in report and paper writing, presenting results to a variety of audiences
No two weeks will look the same. One month might be largely lab-based, sorting and analysing plant samples; the next could see you preparing for an international field campaign or travelling to our UK sites for short fieldwork trips. We’re looking for someone who embraces this kind of changeable, seasonal rhythm and finds energy in the challenge of adapting and learning as you go.You’ll need to be practical, organised, and open to working independently, although most work will be in close-knit teams. Some trips may involve working away from home for a few nights, and occasional international travel (up to two weeks) is part of the role. A full UK driving licence is essential, but you’ll have access to our fleet vehicles for travel.For the role of Research Associate, we’re looking for somebody who:
- Holds a 2:1 or above in Ecology, Evolutionary Biology (or a related field)
- Has hands-on experience with lab and fieldwork, plus the skills to help run glasshouses and labs
- Is enthusiastic about ecology and excited to work outdoors year-round
- Is happy to travel overseas for extended periods, including remote locations in the tropics
- Can work well both independently and as part of a team
- Holds a full UK driving licence (this is an essential requirement due to amount of fieldwork involved; fleet vehicles are available to use. Please confirm this in your covering letter or CV)
Above all, we’re looking for someone who genuinely enjoys the balance of field and lab work, and is excited by the idea of contributing to real-world ecological research in a dynamic, supportive team. If you’re someone who’s keen to build their skills across everything from botanical identification to experimental design, field surveying to molecular lab techniques, we’d love to hear from you.Working for UKCEH is rewardingWe appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
- Peer reward and recognition scheme
- Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more…
Apply today!If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.Please note:Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. However, this position may qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. Additionally, if you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
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