Research Associate in River Ecology

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Job title Research Associate in River Ecology Job reference REQ
260561 Date posted 06/08/2026 Final date to receive applications 06/09/2026 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608 per annum. Job description

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

This post provides an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background (in freshwater ecology or biogeomorphology) to work on the 3-year NERC funded Pushing the Frontiers Project “The impact of cohesive material on critical shear stress in gravel bed rivers”.

This post will be based in the Department of Geography and Environment, but the successful applicant will spend the majority of their time working at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The post-holder is integral to the success of the project and will require high-level freshwater macroinvertebrate and sediment-process knowledge, with experience in fieldwork and physical experiments. The post holder will have a scientific degree or equivalent experience and a PhD in a relevant research area.

The Research Associate will undertake the specific tasks outlined in the project (see duties), assisted by the project investigator and will have access to an established researcher-development programme in which the RA will participate in terms of their personal development.

Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

Geography and Environment is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. The facilities and technical expertise are world class with scientists who have strong track records of pioneering new ways of working. The department hosts cutting-edge equipment and facilities in the world class ‘River Science’, ‘Sediments and Soils’ and ‘Ecology’ laboratories.

The department is a multi-disciplinary unit with strong international reputation in river science and aquatic ecology. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and…