Research Scientist in Enhanced Weathering
Geoeng Info
Research Scientist in Enhanced Weathering
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Fixed term appointment (3.5 years)
Full time
£36,067
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach.
We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.
About the role
It is now clear that in addition to reducing emissions, the active removal of atmospheric CO2 is essential if we are to limit the increase in global average temperature to the 1.5 °C target set by the Paris Agreement. Enhanced Weathering is a geoengineering strategy that can help accelerate CO2 sequestration by amending soils with crushed reactive rocks to increase the rate of weathering. The process also releases nutrients that can help fertilize crop growth and protect against crop pathogens, potentially lowering fertilizer and pesticide usage.
We seek a Research Scientist to join us in assessing a series of enhanced weathering field trials being conducted in different agroecosystems within the UK. These large-scale trials will provide vital constraints on the rates of weathering under natural conditions, and will directly contribute to the development of IPCC protocols for quantifying and verifying CO2 removal.
About you
Applicants should have considerable experience in the collection and chemical analysis of environmental samples (soils, drainage waters, rivers), well-developed self and time-management skills, and be able to work effectively as part of a team. The ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, is also essential.
The Research Scientist will be part of an interdisciplinary team investigating the viability of enhanced rock weathering as a means of atmospheric CO2 removal through the UKRI/BBSRC funded Greenhouse Gas Removal Demonstrator (GGR-D) project ‘Greenhouse gas removal with UK agriculture via enhanced rock weathering’ and will work in close collaboration with members of the Leverhulme Centre for Climate Change Mitigation (www.lc3m.org), who are conducting similar field trials, lab-based experiments and modelling activities.
Why the NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.
We are committed to flexible working, trusting our staff to get the job done. And we offer an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.
The NOC in Southampton is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking. We support opportunities for further training and development.
Our commitment as an employer
The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation, and has signed up to the Athena SWAN charter principles to take action to address gender equality.
How to apply:
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at car...@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and assessment criteria.
Date advert posted: 10 January 2022.
Closing date: 4 February 2022. Please note this vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Assessing applications
All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Candidate Assessment’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the strongest candidates will be invited to interview.
If you have been selected for interview we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.