Job description & person
specification
Last updated:
24 November 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Marine Geochemistry
Post number:
Academic Unit/Service:
OES
Career pathway:
ERE*
*ERE category:
Research focused
Posts responsible to:
Dr Juerg Matter, Prof. Rachael James
Posts responsible for:
None
Post base:
Non Office-based
Level:
4
Job purpose
To undertake research in accordance with the specified research project under the supervision
of the award holders.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
To develop and carry out geochemical analyses for the detection and quantification of CO 2
fluxes in the marine environment, including natural and artificial tracers. This includes
ship-based fieldwork.
50
2.
Regularly disseminate findings by taking the lead in preparing publication materials for
referred journals, presenting results at conferences, or exhibiting work at other
appropriate events.
15
3.
Develop solute transport models and approaches to test tracer fluxes in the marine
environment and to validate field data.
20
4.
To maximise the impact of this research through dialogue and collaborative work with the
project partners, and networking with relevant stakeholders.
5
5.
Carry out administrative tasks associated with specified research funding, for example risk 5
assessment of research activities, organisation of fieldwork activities and project meetings.
Implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely formal reporting and
financial control.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
6.
Supervise the work of PhD students.
5
7.
Any other duties as allocated by the line manager following consultation with the post
holder.
Internal and external relationships (including nature and purpose of relationships)




Direct responsibility to holder of research award or academic supervisor.
Participate in collaborative research with international project partners.
Additional reporting and liaison responsibilities to external funding body.
May be asked to serve on a relevant Academic Unit committee, for example research committee.
Special Requirements

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working
towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be
applied upon successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of
Senior Research Assistant will be given
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Criteria
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge &
experience
PhD or equivalent professional
qualifications and experience in
Marine Geochemistry.
Desirable
How to be
assessed
CV
Extensive recent experience in
chemical analysis of marine
environmental samples, including
sample collection, preparation,
chemical processing, and relevant
analytical techniques.
CV/
interview/
references
Ability to make careful and precise
geochemical measurements and
excellent understanding of data
quality when applied to geochemical
measurements.
CV/
interview/
references
Detailed understanding and
knowledge of CO2 in the marine
system.
CV/ interview
Experience in the collection and
CV/ interview
processing of samples on a scientific
research cruise.
Experience of reactive transport
modelling techniques.
Planning &
organising
Well-developed self-management
skills with the ability to prioritise
work appropriately, deal with a
number of competing demands and
manage own time effectively and
deliver results to an agreed schedule.
Interview/
references
Able to design a fieldwork
Document1
CV/ interview
Interview/
2
programme and adapt it as required, references
for example because of inclement
weather.
Problem solving
& initiative
Management &
teamwork
Communicating
& influencing
Able to develop understanding of
complex problems and apply indepth knowledge to address them
Interview/
references
Able to develop original
techniques/methods
Interview/
references
Able to analyse a wide range of
observations and to produce logical
inferences from them.
Interview/
references
Able to supervise work of PhD
students, delegating effectively
Interview/
references
Able to contribute to project
management and administrative
processes
Interview/
references
Ability to deal tactfully and
effectively with a wider range of
other contacts, including academics,
PhD students, technical and seagoing support staff.
Interview/
references
Communicate new and complex
information effectively, both verbally
and in writing, engaging the interest
and enthusiasm of the target
audience
Interview
Able to present research results at
group meetings and conferences
Able to write up research results for
publication in leading peer-viewed
journals
Other skills &
behaviours
Special
requirements
CV
Work proactively with colleagues in
other work areas/institutions and
stakeholders, contributing specialist
knowledge to achieve outcomes
Interview/
references
Understanding of relevant Health &
Safety issues in the lab and at sea
Interview/
references
Positive attitude to colleagues and
students
Interview/
references
Able to attend national and
international conferences to present
research results
Interview
Having the flexibility to work unusual
hours on occasion, depending on the
availability of the geochemical
facilities.
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Interview
Interview
3
Able to go to sea and pass an ENG1
seagoing medical and sea survival
course.
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CV/ interview
4
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
OFFICE-BASED POST
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU) no further information needs to
be supplied.
NON-OFFICE BASED POST
If this post has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use of VDU) please complete the
analysis below.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
X
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
X
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:

Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
X
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
X
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
X
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
X
Lone working
X
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
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