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:
8464
Job title:
Research Investment Fellow in Terrestrial Ecosystem
Science
Reports to:
Head of Discipline, Ecosystems & Biodiversity
Salary:
£30,122 - £44,166
Terms and conditions:
Research Staff
Grade:
AC2/3
Duration of post:
48 months
Working hours:
Full Time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
30 November 2012
Type of application form accepted:
Short
Number of referees required:
Two
Unit recruitment contact:
Fiona McGavin
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January 2010
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2. Summary of duties
This independent fellowship in Terrestrial Ecosystem Science is aimed at strengthening the
Open University's submission in the 2014 Research Excellence Framework, and is one of six
Research Investment Fellowships aimed at enhancing expertise in research areas of high
strategic priority.
The successful applicants will have and maintain a strong independent research programme,
adding value to existing research strengths within the Environment, Earth and Ecosystems
area, and have the potential for research leadership. The successful applicants will have an
excellent publication record in high-impact, environment-related interdisciplinary research.
We seek to make this appointment in areas that complement existing research expertise in
biosphere-atmosphere exchange, plant-soil interactions, eco-hydrology, tropical ecosystem
ecology, terrestrial biogeochemistry and in ecosystem responses to current drivers of global
change. We invite applications in any of these or closely related areas although our specific
area of interest for this role is terrestrial ecosystem biogeochemistry, where we seek
applicants with interests in applying novel organic geochemical techniques to questions in
ecosystem science, to include novel applications of stable and radiogenic isotopes of carbon.
The main duties of the post are research-oriented, but the appointees will have the opportunity
to contribute to teaching activity within the department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems.
The successful candidates will be affiliated to the Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and
Astronomical Research (CEPSAR) and will be strongly supported by the Centre and the
University in preparing bids for external research funding.
Main duties
The appointee will be expected to:
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maintain an independent research profile in an Ecosystem science-related area;
maintain a strong, sustained record of high-impact academic publications;
contribute to and lead bids for external funding;
collaborate with other members of the department of Environment, Earth and Ecosystems;
collaborate with other research groups in the OU, and with other research and/or policy
oriented groups in the UK and rest of Europe;
promote the work of the University by engaging with public and policy discourse at an
appropriate scale.
All staff are expected to:
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Undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required;
Take reasonable care of the Health and Safety of themselves and that of any other person
who may be affected by your acts and omissions at work.
Demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equal opportunities.
The successful candidate will be appointed to the Department of Environment, Earth &
Ecosystems and affiliated to the Centre for Earth, Planetary, Science and Astronomical
Research (CEPSAR) and will be expected to make an effective contribution to that academic
community.
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January 2010
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3. Person specification
Essential Criteria
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PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a subject related to environmental science
An excellent track record of independent research evidenced by REF-eligible publications
Synergies with current and future research in the Ecosystems and Biodiversity discipline,
including one or more of the following areas: biosphere-atmosphere exchange, plant-soil
interactions, eco-hydrology, tropical ecosystem ecology, terrestrial biogeochemistry;
ecosystem responses to current drivers of global change; ecophysiology; organic
geochemistry as applied to problems in ecosystem science; ecosystem services; terrestrial
ecosystem modelling.
Good oral and written communication skills in English
Demonstrable grasp of the relevant research literature
Ability to work harmoniously within a team
Ability to engage effectively with researchers and/or policymakers in related fields
nationally and internationally
Willingness to promote research to a wide audience
Desirable Criteria
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Track record of successful bids for third-party funding
Demonstrable ability to participate collaboratively in large-scale research programmes
Good presentation skills
Potential for research leadership
Research esteem indicators (e.g. invitations to present and advise, influence on research
agendas)
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
 Earth Sciences
 Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Department of Life, Health and Chemical Sciences
 Brain & Behavioural Sciences
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Cell & Molecular Biology
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Chemistry & Analytical Sciences
Human Biology
Department of Physical Sciences
 Astronomy
 Physics
 Planetary & Space Sciences
Science Curriculum
The Faculty currently supports a broad-based Natural Sciences programme. Within this
there are 5 undergraduate discipline-based pathways; Life Sciences, Health Sciences,
Chemistry and Analytical Science, earth and environmental sciences, and Physical
Science.
At post-graduate level, the Faculty supports an MSc programme which currently has
several strands including Science Studies, Earth Science, Frontiers in Medical Science,
and Health Physics.
The Faculty also supports foundation degrees in Health Sciences (including paramedic
and operating theatre practice) and Analytical Science.
Science Research
The Faculty of Science undertakes a range of research across many scientific topics
that brings together traditional scientific disciplines and new interdisciplinary areas
through three major research groupings:
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The Centre for Earth, Planetary, Space and Astronomical Research (CEPSAR)
Biomedical Research Network (BRN)
Employers, Science, Technology, Engineering, Entrepreneurship, Mathematics
(eSTEeM)
Our research encompasses both 'blue-skies' basic research and applied research to
find solutions to specific scientific and technological problems. In addition, the Faculty of
Science is supporting a number of new ‘genesis’ areas where new synergies are rapidly
developing in response to external research opportunities.
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-upgraded computing cluster resource with around 400 compute
nodes
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
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Well equipped laboratories for research in atomic, molecular and plasma
research
eSTEeM (http://www.open.ac.uk/about/teaching-and-learning/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 eassessment, online experimentation, etc.
Further information on the Faculty can be found on our website at
http://www8.open.ac.uk/science/main/.
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 Vince Gauci on +44 (0)1908 858137 or email v.gauci@open.ac.uk.
If you have any questions regarding the application process please contact Fiona McGavin on
+44 (0)1908 858 110 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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Cover letter
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Short application form
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CV
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List of publications
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An outline plan of your proposed research programme – 500 words maximum
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 30 November 2012
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:
The Open University
Walton Hall
Milton Keynes
Post Code:
MK7 6AA
8. Selection process and date of interview
The interview panel will be chaired by Professor Simon Kelley, CEPSAR Director. The other
members of the interview panel will be Dr Vincent Gauci, Head of Ecosystems and
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Biodiversity, and Dr Emma Sayer, Lecturer in Environmental Sciences. The interview date is
to be advised.
Shortlisted applicants may be asked to give a short seminar on their research in addition to
attending a panel interview.
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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January 2010
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