Senior Research Officer; Internal; School Of Life Sciences

*** Internal Applicants Only ***

Come join Professor Alex Dumbrell’s vibrant and diverse research group at the University of Essex on the NERC-funded project “Implications of glacier retreat for aquatic biodiversity in the Himalayas”. The School of Life Sciences at the University of Essex is working to tackle the global challenges of the 21st century, and this project addresses the impacts of glacial loss within Himalayas on freshwater biodiversity and functioning.

The School has exceptionally well equipment molecular ecology laboratories, which will allow you to unravel the diversity of microbial species within these high-altitude ecosystems.

The overall project objectives are to (i) determine the biodiversity of Himalayan River ecosystems; (ii) discover the functional roles of micro-organisms and invertebrates influencing key water quality and carbon cycle processes; (iii) unravel the importance of physical, chemical and biotic processes alongside dispersal barriers for governing where species can live now and in future. The postdoctoral research based at the University of Essex will focus on addressing these broad objectives applied to microbial (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other microbial eukaryotes) communities found in these ecosystems, from samples that have already been collected.

They will lead research quantifying and analysing the diversity, functioning and interactions of microbes (bacteria, archaea, fungi, and other microbial eukaryotes) from high altitude Himalayan streams. Responsibilities include day-to-day data and research management, sample processing, lab work, data analysis, publication writing, and maintaining relationships with project partners.

We are looking for a candidate experienced in molecular microbial ecology, and ecological network analyses, with experience working on complex biofilm samples, and advanced statistical analysis. They will be trained in all aspects of the work, but they should already be proficient in their ability to undertake molecular ecology lab work (DNA extraction, metabarcoding, qPCR) and to undertake complex ecological network and multivariate analyses.

The appointee will lead on, aspects of laboratory work, data analyses, and publication writing. Candidates should have good communication skills, and the ability to work independently as well as with other members of the research team and their collaborators.

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.

To support this commitment we have our , a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff, and our Colchester campus based , which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.