Research Fellow in chemical characterisation and geochemistry of plant-soil interaction

Research Fellow in chemical characterisation and geochemistry of plant-soil interaction

Bioengineering Group

Location:  Highfield Campus
Salary:   £28,982 to £31,656 per annum
Full Time - Fixed Term for 3 years
Closing Date:   Sunday 19 June 2016
Interview Date:   See advert
Reference:  734516BX

Looking to take the next step in your academic career? The Faculty of Engineering and the Environment together with National Oceanography Centre at Southampton offers an exciting opportunity for you to join one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for engineering and environmental research and education.

You will be part of a large interdisciplinary team studying plant-soil interaction. All human food comes directly or indirectly from plants. In order for plants to grow they need nutrients and water from the soil. Successful application of contemporary engineering methodologies and skills (advanced imaging, high performance computing, numerical simulation etc.) to the understanding of fundamental interactions between plants and soils will play a crucial role in global food security in the 21st century.

Your role will be to develop and contribute to understanding the interaction between plant roots and soil using the combination of XRF, SEM-EDX and soil solution analysis for spatially resolved mapping of soil chemistry. As the project develops, it is envisaged that synchrotron-based methods will be assessed to complement/enhance laboratory capabilities. You will be part of a large interdisciplinary team funded by the European Research Council (ERC), which consists of engineers, mathematicians and plant/soil scientists all working together to understand the fundamentals of plant-soil interaction.

To be successful you will need a track record in soil and/or environmental chemistry using XRF or SEM-EDX or soil solution analysis, track record of producing peer reviewed publications and an ability to co-supervise PhD research.  You will hold a PhD or equivalent in soil science, geochemistry, advanced material science or a related discipline.

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.

Tentative interview date:  12 July 2016 with a preferred start date for this position is 1 September 2016.

Enquiries about the post are welcomed by contacting Tiina Roose (t.roose@soton.ac.uk) and/or Sam Keyes (S.D.Keyes@soton.ac.uk)

About the Faculty

You will join one of the UK’s most dynamic centres for engineering and environmental research and education rated number one for research power in REF2014.  We have an excellent record of collaborative research with industry and academic institutions in the UK and abroad.

The Faculty has nearly 200 academic staff working in a number of research themes (http://www.southampton.ac.uk/engineering/research/themes.page). We have exceptional research facilities particularly in our state-of-the-art facilities at our new Boldrewood Innovation Campus (fluids and structures/infrastructure) which includes a 138m towing tank.

In recognition of our continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering we were awarded an Athena SWAN bronze award in September 2013 and intend to submit an application for Silver in Spring 2016.  The Faculty will give due consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time and due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, onsite childcare facilities and employees are able to participate in the childcare vouchers scheme.

 The University of Southampton is the top one per cent of world universities and in the top 10 of the UK’s research-intensive universities

The University of Southampton is committed to sustainability and being a globally responsible university and has recently been awarded the Platinum EcoAward.  Our vision is to embed the principles of sustainability into all aspects of our individual and collective work, integrating sustainable development into our business planning, policy-making, and professional activities.  This commits all of our staff and students to take responsibility for managing their activities to minimise harm to the environment, whether this through switching off non-essential electrical equipment or using the recycling facilities.

 *subject to qualifying criteria

Application Procedure

For more information and to apply please follow the link below. If you need any assistance, please call Geraldine Lewis (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507. Please quote reference 734516BX on all correspondence.

We aim to be an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated in the job advert.