Research Assistant in River Ecology

Job reference: 552026

Location:

Hybrid

Employment type:

Fixed Term Contract (8 months, 0.8 FT)

Team:
Biosciences – River Ecology

Closing date: 11/01/2026

Salary:
Grade F (£28,608 - £32,089 p.a. pro rata)

Grade 519, 0.8 full-time at Grade

F. Contract end depends on full-time or part-time agreement.

NTU researchers lead freshwater ecology research. This role contributes to a collaborative project with the Environment Agency and Wild Fish charity, focusing on winterbourne chalk streams. You will analyse ecological datasets, calculate community health indices, model responses to environmental drivers, and assess the capacity of indices to reflect seasonal drying and human pressures.

• Analyse collated invertebrate community data to characterise responses to environmental variation.
• Calculate ecological indices representing community health.
• Model index responses to environmental drivers and natural variations.
• Interpret and report findings with respect to river health assessments.
• Produce scientific papers and present at stakeholder meetings.
• Collaborate with project partners and contribute to knowledge sharing.

• Scientific understanding of river ecosystems.
• Experience with advanced modelling of ecological datasets.
• Strong analytical and data manipulation skills.
• Good communication and stakeholder engagement.
• Confidence to produce publishable results.

• Salary Grade F, pro-rated to 0.8 FT.
• Hybrid working – office and remote mix.
• Annual leave 30‑35 days pro‑rated plus bank holidays.
• Flexibility – part‑time or full‑time options.
• Retirement savings plan and health services.
• Professional development opportunities.

We welcome applications from candidates who have scientific understanding of river ecosystems and advanced modelling skills, even if you don't meet every requirement. Flexible working patterns are available.

Equal Opportunities – we are an EEO employer and welcome diversity, inclusive hiring.

Contact:
Prof. Rachel Stubbington, Professor of River Ecology –