Your main responsibilities will include:

• Planning and carrying out hands-on fieldwork across rivers,lakesand catchments, collecting high-quality chemical and biological samples

• Operating,calibratingandmaintainingfield equipment such as water-quality sensors, probes andauto-samplers

• Analysing nutrients and water quality in the laboratory

• Supporting laboratory, mesocosm, algal growth or in-river experiments, including preparation, monitoring, samplecollectionand data recording.

• Checking, formatting and collating data so it isaccurate,reliableand ready for use by project teams

• Preparing simple figures, tables and summaries for project reports, presentations, web material, datasubmissionsand scientific papers.

• Contributing ideas and practical solutions to scientific and technical challenges

• Collaborating with scientists,techniciansand project managers to deliver impactful research

• Supporting field planning, risk assessments, equipmentpreparationand day-to-day laboratory operations

Take a lookat some of the exciting and impactful projects you could be involved in as part of the team at UKCEH:

• Micro-Cycle– advancing our understanding of microbial processes in environmental systems:
  https://gtr.ukri.org/projects-ref=NE%2FZ000173%2F1
  

• SMARTWATER– developing innovative solutions to manage and improve water quality:
  https://gtr.ukri.org/projects-ref=NE%2FX018865%2F1
  

• BIOPOLE– a collaborative initiative driving sustainable land use and environmental resilience:
  https://biopole.ac.uk/
  

• The River Thames Initiative– a long-standing citizen science programme monitoringthe health of one of the UK’s most iconic rivers:
  The River Thames Initiative

Whatwe’relooking for:

• A degree;Mastersor equivalent experience in a relevant field such as environmental science, chemistry, biology,geographyor hydrology

• Practical experience in a relevant practical setting such as a laboratory,fieldworkor environmental monitoring

• Strong attention to detail and the ability to follow methods to produceaccurate, reliable data

• Good organisation skills, with the ability to manage tasks independently and take responsibility for your work

• A collaborative mindset, with strong teamwork skills,accountabilityand a positive approach

• Competency with standard IT tools such as Excel,Wordand PowerPoint, with a willingness to develop data and analytical skills

• Clear communication skills for working with colleagues, projectteamsand partners, and contributes positively to an inclusive team culture.

A note on fieldwork and travel requirements:

While this role is primarily office-based,you’llalso spend a good proportion of your time contributing to laboratory and fieldwork activities, around 70% in the lab, 20% in the field, with theremaindersupporting office-based tasks.

Fieldwork willmainly focuson local, UK-based projects, including regular sampling across the Thames catchment, and may occasionally involve overnight stays.You’llbe comfortable working outdoors in a range of environments, including rivers and lakes, and happy adapting to changing conditions. Bringing a proactive,flexibleand accountable approach will be important, particularly during busy fieldwork periods. A full UK manual driving licence isrequiredfor this role.As you build experience, there may also be opportunities to get involved in projects further afield across the UK and internationally.

What will help you stand out:

• Experience with water quality, nutrient, algal,microbiologicalor aquatic ecology methods

• Deployment and maintenance of sondes, sensors,autosamplersor other environmental monitoring equipment.

• Working under laboratory quality systems, including sample tracking, calibration, QA/QCchecksand safe chemical handling.

• Data analysis or visualisation skills, or experience with tools such as R, Python or GIS

• Experience contributing to reports and summaries or presentinginformationtocolleagues or partners

Start your career where your work truly makes a difference. Ifyou’reready to turn your academic knowledge and early experience into a rewarding career with real impact, this is your opportunity to get involved, grow quickly, and make a difference.

How to apply and what happens next

Ifyou’reinterested in this role,we’dlove to hear from you.You’llbe directed to our Workday portal whereyou’llcreate an account and upload your CVandyour responses to the questions below (approx. 8 mins). Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully:

• A separate cover letter is notrequired

• Use clear, concise examples thatdemonstrateyour personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable)and impact

• Limit your responses to a maximum of 150 words per question

• Oncesubmitted, our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result.

Q1 -Please describe a practical example from your degree, dissertation, placement, workexperienceor employment where you collected,processedor analysed environmental,chemicalor biological samples or data. What was your role, and how did you make sure the work wasaccurateand reliable?

Q2 - This role involves a mix of laboratory work,fieldworkand data handling. Please give an example of when you had to organise your own work, follow a method carefully, or adapt to a practical problem. What did you do, and what was the outcome?

Q3 - We work closely with scientists, technicians, projectmanagersand external partners. Please describe an example of when you worked well as part of a team. What did you contribute, and what did you learn from the experience?

Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding

You’llbe joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment toprosper andinforms decisions thatbenefitsociety We’reproud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it.You’llbe supported to develop your career, grow yourskillsand thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment.

What we offer

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us,you’llbenefitfrom:

• Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection

• Enhanced family-friendly policies

• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending onyourrole)

• Lifestyleperksincludingdental,gym,retailand cycling discounts

• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives

• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health,physiotherapyand lifestyle services

• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution

• Salary sacrifice agreementbenefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicleandCycle2Workschemes

• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)

Our Commitment toinclusion

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds,experiencesand identities. As a Disability Confident employer,we’rehappy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.