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:
8477
Job title:
Project Officer (Methane Research)
Reports to:
Senior Lecturer in Earth Systems & Ecosystem
Science
Salary:
£30,122 – £35,938
Terms and conditions:
Academic Related
Grade:
7
Duration of post:
30 months
Working hours:
Full time
Location:
Milton Keynes
Closing date:
22 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
Overall job purpose
This position has opened to contribute to the success of 3 projects funded by NERC and
DEFRA:
1. to work with an associated PDRA to understand methane emissions from tropical wetland
trees
2. to make chamber methane, CO2 and N2O measurements for a Defra funded lowland peat
project and;
3. to contribute to meeting organisation and network maintenance of the NERC supported
MethaneNet.org scientific network .
Main duties
Contribute to the NERC supported tropical tree methane project by supporting the collection
and interpretation of data from chosen field sites in the tropics, provide logistical and laboratory
support from the UK and to prepare manuscripts for publication (as co-author, with potential for
1st author papers).
The post may involve working in challenging field conditions and occasionally at unusual hours
as necessitated by measurement protocols that we will develop. There is scope to develop an
independent project in this area that complements the work of the associated PDRA in this
project. The project involves an international team of researchers led by the Open University.
There are very few data on this topic from tropical wetland forests and while the challenging
field conditions will require determination of the applicant, we envisage that the dataset
produced will be of wide scientific interest. The post holder will join an international team of
researchers including scientists from the Universities of Bristol, Leicester and Nottingham, MIT
and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama.
(40% of time)
Make chamber methane, CO2 and N2O measurements for a Defra funded lowland peat project
by:
 Making chamber gas exchange measurements on a fortnightly/monthly basis at our
field locations in the Cambridgeshire fens as part of a national research consortium
working to understand greenhouse gas emissions from lowland peatlands across the
country.
 Making field measurements using sophisticated pieces of analytical equipment and
analyse samples in the laboratory.
 Performing quality control checks on the data and synthesise them as part of the broad
objectives of the project.
 Prepare regular report drafts to colleagues in partner establishments.
(50% of time)
Contribute to meeting organisation and network maintenance of the NERC supported
MethaneNet.org by
 Organising the remaining workshops and meetings in this network activity.
 Liaison with international leaders in methane research from a range of disciplines,
maintaining the purpose designed methanenet.org social network, solicit content from
individuals and work to expand the network to new members.
 Continue to develop the use of social media and social networks to advance the aims
of the network.
(10% of time)
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January 2010
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All staff are expected:

to undertake any other duties which may reasonably be required

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.
to demonstrate a strong commitment to the principles and practice of equality and
diversity

3. Person specification
Essential

PhD or equivalent in a relevant scientific discipline or be close to completion;

Experience in making trace gas measurements from plants and soils

Ability to carry out world class research

Ability to make careful and precise biogeochemical measurements

Excellent oral and written communication skills

Well-developed self-management skills with the ability to prioritise work appropriately,
deal with a number of competing demands and manage own time effectively

Ability to manage workload and deliver results to an agreed schedule
Desirable

Background in ecosystem science & biosphere atmosphere exchange

Experience of working in the tropics

Ability to work independently, but also with others as part of a research team.
4. Role specific requirements e.g. Shift working
IMPORTANT Please note:
Due to the more extreme nature of tropical rainforests the role holder must be capable of
trekking through dense jungle and be a confident swimmer as they will have to cross rivers.
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.
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January 2010
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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
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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:



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:


A recently-upgraded computing cluster resource with around 400 compute
nodes
A recently opened facility for interdisciplinary research in ecosystems and
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January 2010
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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
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/.
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 100 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
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.
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January 2010
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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 Vincent 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 858110 or email science-recruitment@open.ac.uk.
7. The application process and where to send completed applications
Your application should include:


Completed short form application
CV

Covering letter indicating how you believe your experience and skills match the
person specification.
Please ensure that your application reaches the University by: 22 November 2012
E-mail it to science-recruitment@open.ac.uk
Or post it to:
Name/Job title:
Fiona McGavin
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 Dr Vincent Gauci. The other members of the interview
panel will be advised. The interview date is to be advised.
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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