R220644 – Research Associate – Lifecycle Assessment and Greenhouse Gas Removal

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EBRI
Location:
Aston University Main Campus
Salary:

£35,333
per annum
Grade:  Grade 08
Contract Type: 
Fixed Term

(03/11/2025)
Basis: 
Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Tuesday 01 November 2022
Interview Date: 
Tuesday 08 November 2022
Reference:  R220644
Release Date:  Tuesday 04 October 2022

The Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute (EBRI) at Aston University seeks applications for a post-doctoral researcher to carry out environmental impact assessment for demonstrator field sites for peat formation. This position offers the unique opportunity to work in a highly multidisciplinary setting and work with academic and non-academic partners. We are proud to provide a supportive environment for early career researchers and offer mentoring/shadowing and other development opportunities to support staff in transitioning to new roles. Furthermore, flexible working and dynamic working are supported for this role.

This role is part of the BBSRC funded project Greenhouse Gas Removal by Accelerated Peat Formation. The researcher will be quantifying the greenhouse gas removal benefits of peat formation in the UK using lifecycle assessment, carbon modelling and ecosystem condition assessment. Engaging and collaborating with different project partners and relevant stakeholders will be part of the research activities.

The Greenhouse Gas Removal by Accelerated Peat Formation project works with academia, farmers and government to re-establishing and augmenting the unique natural capacity of peatlands to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and to store it securely for millennia. This is done by working with natural processes, optimise conditions to avoid emissions, develop innovative cropping and management systems and develop new economic models supporting greenhouse gas removal by peatlands as part of profitable and sustainable farming and land management systems. 

The researcher will conduct lifecycle assessment, carbon modelling and ecosystem condition assessment relevant to the project. This includes working closely with project partners and stakeholders to define the scope of the research and collect data. The researcher will be responsible for developing the analytical framework, analysing data and making share findings with project partners supporting the development demonstrators. In addition, the researcher will be responsible for liaising and engaging with project partners, communicating and publishing results, and engaging with external stakeholders and users of the research.

Knowledge of carbon dynamics, non-CO2 greenhouse gases and sustainability is essential, and the researcher is expected to hold a PhD in a relevant subject. In addition, experience in lifecycle assessment and stakeholder engagement is required. An excellent standard of oral and written communication is essential, as are demonstrated skills of independent working, time management and successful delivery of objectives.

For enquiries, please get in touch with Mirjam Roeder (m.roeder@aston.ac.uk ) or Paula Blanco-Sanchez (p.blanco-sanchez@aston.ac.uk )  to arrange an informal discussion.

Please note that inclusive recruitment will be carried out for this role as part of Aston University’s commitment to equality and diversity and ensuring a fair and consistent approach to recruitment. Personal details that are included on application forms, including the candidate’s name and address will not be disclosed to the shortlisting panel. Applicants will be assessed on the basis of their answers to the questions on the application form. CV will not be used in the initial shortlisting process. We kindly ask that candidates do not send cover letters as these will not be considered. 

Aston University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.  It promotes equality and diversity in all aspects of its work. We are committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter http://www.ecu.ac.uk/equality-charter-marks/athena-swan/ , recognised by a silver award, and we are a Disability Confident Employer Level 2. We strive to have robust inclusivity strategies in place, including race and sexual orientation, to encourage colleagues to have the confidence and freedom to be themselves in the workplace. For more information, visit: https://www2.aston.ac.uk/about/inclusive-aston

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy.

If you require the job details document or an application form in an alternative format please contact the recruitment team at recruitment@aston.ac.uk .