Research Associate (A2500)

We are looking for an outstanding post-doctoral researcher to join EISPAC - an international and trans-disciplinary project on the Effects of ice stressors and pollutants on the Arctic marine cryosphere.

As one of the projects funded under the NERC/BMBF Changing Arctic Oceans programme (https://www.changing-arctic-ocean.ac.uk/project/eispac/), EISPAC aims to link research on the impact of contaminants and nutrients in the Arctic to ecosystem services assessments and, ultimately, policy advice.

An array of persistent organic pollutants are present in the Arctic primarily through long-range transport, but their subsequent accumulation in snow, sea ice, ice-associated organisms, and, particularly, potential interactions with nutrients is not well understood. This is where the EISPAC projects starts.

Within work package 4 of EISPAC, field- and experimental contaminant and nutrient data (from work packages 1-3) will be used in mass-balance based ecosystem models to trace the transfer and bioaccumulation of contaminants in the Arctic and evaluate potential ecosystem impacts of the identified main stressors.

This transdisciplinary project requires the application of knowledge and skills from a number of specialist scientific areas (environmental models, chemical analysis, science communication and advice). You will work closely with the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) using a marine ecological modelling suite to evaluate ecosystem level impacts based on observed changes in the cryosphere and interactions between nutrients and contaminants. The results will be used to inform ecosystem service analysis and the development of interactive policy advice documents regarding main stressors, impacted ecosystem services and relevant stakeholders.

Furthermore, you will have the opportunity to participate in laboratory/sea ice chamber experiments to investigate chemical fate in artificial sea ice at the University of East Anglia.

The work across collaborating institutes will ensure you have access to state-of-the-art resources for computational, lab-based and advice-related aspects of the project, as well as provide an opportunity to develop deeper professional networks. The collaborative nature of the project provides a unique opportunity to experience various scientific, cultural and organisational structures, enabling you to become a truly cross-disciplinary scientist. 

To be successful you will need:
• A doctorate in Environmental Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, or a related field
• Prior experience in regarding the evaluation of fate and behaviour of chemical contaminants in the environment. Experience with (ecosystem) models and/or laboratory work is an asset.
• The ability to work effectively and autonomously as part of a multi-disciplinary, regionally dispersed research team
• Excellent (verbal and written) communication skills 

This is a 2.5 year fixed term, full-time post (1 FTE) and is available immediately. Please contact Dr Crispin Halsall (c.halsall@lancaster.ac.uk) if you wish to discuss your application.

Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and research.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 17 Dec 2018
Category: Research