Further Particulars
This document includes information about the role for which you are applying and the
information you will need to provide with the application.
1. Role details
Vacancy reference:
8542
Job title:
Project Officer (FORESTPRIME)
Reports to:
Lecturer in Environmental Sciences
Salary:
£30,122 - £35,938
Terms and conditions:
Academic Related
Grade:
7
Duration of post:
48 months
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
10 January 2013
Type of application form accepted:
Short
Number of referees required:
Two
Unit recruitment contact:
Fiona McGavin
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2. Summary of duties
The role holder will contribute to the success of the ERC-funded project FORESTPRIME:
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To work on a multidisciplinary research team to advance the understanding of priming
effects in forest ecosystems;
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To make chamber measurements of soil CO2 in the field and collect samples for analysis
To contribute to chemical and molecular analyses of soils and plan material and collate
data.
The main duties are:
1. Contribute to the support of the ERC funded FORESTPRIME project including the
collection and interpretation of data from chosen field sites in the UK; the provision of
logistical and laboratory support in the UK and to contribute to manuscripts for publication
(20%)
2. To take responsibility for field measurements and sample collections for the ERC-funded
project FORESTPRIME including chamber gas exchange measurements at chosen field
locations Oxfordshire and/or Cambridgeshire on a monthly basis, monitoring laboratory
incubations using sophisticated pieces of analytical equipment and collecting soil and litter
samples from the field sites. The role holder will also perform quality control checks on the
data and synthesise them as part of the broad objectives of the project, and coordinate
data collection and analysis with the other team members (30%)
3. To supervise students carrying out chemical and molecular analyses and take
responsibility for ensuring accurate analysis of batches of samples. To train and supervise
inexperienced students in specified techniques and areas of the lab. To liaise with other
members of the Ecosystems labs to coordinate the use and maintenance of shared lab
facilities and ensure adherence to health and safety protocols (10%).
4. Prepare samples from a range of substrates collected from the project’s field sites and
carry out lab-based chemical and molecular analyses. This will involve: preparing samples,
carrying out instrumental analyses, recording data in spreadsheets and preparing written
contributions to project reports and academic papers. To ensure adherence to protocols
and data quality in collaboration with other team members and revise existing analytical
protocols (40%).
All staff are expected:
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to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required
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to take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other
person
who may be affected by your acts or omissions at work.
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to demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and diversity
3. Person specification
Essential
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PhD or equivalent in relevant scientific discipline (or close to completion)
Significant experience of chemical and molecular analytical techniques
Ability to make careful and precise biogeochemical measurements
Ability to carry out innovative environmental research
Strong organizational skills and very good communication skills (oral and written)
Ability to handle large data-sets
Well-developed self-management skills with the ability to prioritise work appropriately and
manage own time effectively
Ability to manage workload and deliver results to an agreed schedule
The ability to work in adverse weather conditions and carry equipment weighing up to 15kg
through woodlands without tracks or paths.
Valid full driving license
Desirable
 Background in ecosystem science.
 Experience of gas measurements in the field
 Good understanding of experimental design
 Familiarity with health and safety regulations
 Ability to work independently, but also with others as part of a research team
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
5. About the unit/department
Faculty of Science
The Faculty has a staff of about 300, comprising of around 115 academic staff (central
and regional/national) with the balance made up of research staff, curriculum managers,
laboratory staff, administrators and clerical staff. There are also varying numbers of
research students and visiting academic staff.
The Faculty has three departments, each with constituent discipline groups:
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
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Earth Sciences
Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
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Brain & Behavioural Sciences
Cell & Molecular Biology
Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
Human Biology
Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
 Physics
 Planetary & Space Sciences
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Curriculum
The Faculty has developed an extensive range of modules using the Open University's
supported open learning teaching model. These modules contribute to a number of
qualifications such as the BSc (Hons) Natural Sciences and the more general BSc
(Open) degree. In addition, the Faculty supports a number of diplomas and certificates
including interdisciplinary offerings with other faculties. Students can choose to study
any of our modules and qualifications at their own pace and are supported by tutors,
study advisers and on-line conferences. There are optional face to face tutorials for
some modules, but many of our modules are accessible entirely online and it is possible
to complete the whole Natural Sciences BSc degree in this way. This level of
accessibility means that the Faculty supports a large proportion of all the part-time
undergraduate degree studies undertaken in the UK.
In addition to our degree level programmes, the Faculty offers an innovative range of
Science Short Courses that are designed to provide a taster of Level 1 study for those
new to undergraduate study.
The Faculty also offers a Master's postgraduate degree programme with several taught
degrees including the first UK MSc to be accredited by the Council of Graduate Schools
as a Professional Science Master's.
The launch of a new suite of modules in Practical Science (S288) in February 2012
sees an exciting opportunity for engaging in practical science through online
environments and laboratory and field-based activities. The five modules reflect each of
the five major disciplines: chemistry and analysis (SXC288); environmental science
(SXE288); earth and environment (SXG288); biology and health (SXL288) and physics
and astronomy (SXP288). Two promotional videos outlining these new modules are
available to view - S288 Practical Science.
Research & Enterprise
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics,
bringing together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas through
two major research groupings:
Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
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Astronomy
Environmental Change (Past, Present and Future)
Natural Hazards
Physics
Planetary Geosciences
Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry
Solar System Exploration
Biomedical Research Network
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Biomolecular Damage
Biopsychology
Cell Biology
Disease and Diagnostics
Neuroscience
Our research encompasses a wide range from 'blue skies' to applied research finding
solutions to specific scientific and technological problems.
These research activities are supported by world class laboratory facilities and
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instrumentation and provide opportunities for full time PhD research studentships
supported by our own academics and post doctoral research fellows.
There are about 48,000 students studying our undergraduate and postgraduate science
modules, mainly based in the UK, but increasing numbers are studying online globally.
There are also several hundred PhD research students studying full time in our
laboratories at our campus in Milton Keynes or part time at partner institutions or
affiliated research centres.
We have over 4500 square metres of state-of-the-art research laboratories with major
research facilities that include:
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A recently opened facility for interdisciplinary research in ecosystems and
geobiology.
One of Europe’s leading centres for isotope mass spectrometry including
extensive radiogenic, noble gas and stable isotope mass spectrometry facilities
and a new £3 million microbeam facility, including a Cameca Nanosims ion
imaging system and dual beam FIB-SEM
Ultraclean spacecraft instrument testing and assembly, and for handling
planetary materials and returned extraterrestrial samples
A state-of-the-art life sciences research facility including biological containment
laboratories, molecular genetics and DNA-sequencing laboratories
Environmental and transmission electron microscopy
Hypervelocity Impact laboratory
Well equipped laboratories for research in atomic, molecular and plasma
research
Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics
(eSTEeM)
eSTEeM is an initiative to bring together academics within Science and the
Faculty of Maths, Computing and Technology to develop new approaches to
teaching and learning. This centre builds on existing collaborations developed
within the Centres for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETLs) based at the
OU and with other Faculties, aiming to embed new approaches around priority
areas such as e-assessment, online experimentation, etc.
Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
Head of Department: Dr Mike Gillman
The Department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems (EEE) is a lively and
innovative department of around 80 staff and postgraduate research students working
in research areas ranging from life science to planetary science. The department’s
main research strengths include ecosystems, biodiversity, isotope and trace element
geochemistry, noble gas geochemistry, rapid climate change, climate system modelling
and Earth system science.
The Department comprises two Disciplines:
Earth Science (Head: Dr Anthony Cohen)
Ecosystems and Biodiversity (Head: Dr Vince Gauci)
The Department’s research is co-ordinated through the Centre for Earth, Planetary,
Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) http://cepsar.open.ac.uk/, and covers a
wide range of subjects – from the behaviour of atoms at temperatures close to absolute
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zero to the merger of galaxies many light years away. Studies range from the building
blocks of stars and planets by microscopes, and stars and planets themselves by both
ground- and space-based telescopes. The common thread that runs through research
in these areas is a desire to understand the origin of matter, and how it has evolved
from the Big Bang almost 14 billion years ago to what we can observe and measure
today.
The Department enjoys full use of CEPSAR’s exceptionally well equipped research
facilities, including a large suite of clean labs and trace element and isotope
geochemistry mass spectrometers, noble gas mass spectrometers, ecosystems
instruments labs and environment chambers, as well as the IMPACT computer cluster.
The Department’s teaching is mainly within the Environmental science and Earth
science curriculum, with additional significant contributions to the other strands in
physical science.
6. How to obtain more information about the role or application process
If you would like to discuss the particulars of this role before making an application please
contact Dr Emma Sayer on +44 (0)1908 858104 or email emma.sayer@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Fiona McGavin on
+44 (0)1908 858110 or email science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Your application should include:
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Completed short application form
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Cover letter detailing how you meet the person specification
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CV
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 10 January 2013
E-mail it to science-recruitment@open.ac.uk or post it to:
Name/Job title:
Fiona McGavin, Staffing Co-ordinator
Department/Unit: Faculty of Science
Address:
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Dr Emma Sayer, Lecturer in Environmental Sciences.
The other members of the interview panel will be advised. The interviews will take place in
mid – late January.
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We will let you know as soon as possible after the closing date whether you have been
shortlisted for interview. Further details on the selection process will also be sent to
shortlisted candidates.
Applications received after the closing date will not be accepted.
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