Biosciences, Agricultural & Environmental Sciences

Applications are invited for a Research Associate/Fellow at the University of Nottingham, UK, to work on a project to investigate controls of methane emissions from tropical wetlands and their impacts on the global climate.

Two-thirds of global methane emissions from wetlands originate in the tropics, but this estimate is uncertain and our ability to predict methane emissions from tropical wetland remains rudimentary. In this project we will address this knowledge gap by combining new mechanistic information from our existing long term wetland research site in Panama with data from wetlands in the Republic of Congo, Indonesia, and Peru. This project targets two processes that are important controls of methane fluxes: methane oxidation and methane production linked to root exudates. We will generate new data that quantify the importance of these processes and associated environmental and microbial drivers in the field using experiments and natural environmental variability.

This position will be especially suited to candidates with an interest in ecosystem functioning, biogeochemistry and environmental microbiology. The project includes field work in Panama as well as laboratory work. The candidate will work closely with a modelling colleague to develop process understanding and integrating this into biogeochemical models. The candidate will develop skills in state-of-the-art technologies e.g. stable isotope and microbial methods.

Applicants must be highly motivated and self-driven, with a PhD (or close to completion) in a relevant terrestrial environmental science area. A PhD topic on biogeochemistry/environmental microbiology/plant soil interactions is desirable for this role. It is desirable that the successful candidate will ideally have considerable experience in some of the following areas: plant-soil interactions, carbon cycling, environmental microbiology. A track record of publishing research is also desirable. Relevant experience in field work and laboratory analysis of environmental samples are essential to the project.

This is a full time post (36.25 hours), and is available from 1st June 2023 or as soon as possible thereafter and will be offered on a fixed-term contract until 31st May 2026. Job share arrangements may be considered.

For informal enquiries please contact Sofie Sjögersten ([email protected])
Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.