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Staff vacancies will be listed here when available.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Biogeochemistry and Ecosystem Ecology

Salary: £29,853 - £35,646 per annum

Main Purpose of Role

You will investigate spatial and temporal patterns of methane and nitrous oxide fluxes along environmental gradients in the Peruvian Andes, and will also explore the role of biophysical drivers in regulating rates of methane and nitrous oxide flux. You will be expected to perform process-based experiments using a range of biogeochemical and isotopic analytical techniques, including controlled environment studies, in situ stable isotope pool dilution to quantify gross methane and nitrous oxide fluxes, and isotopomer analysis of nitrous oxide to determine microbial sources of nitrous oxide.

This post is fixed term for 3 years starting on, or as close to, 1 March 2010.

Please contact Dr Yit Arn Teh (yat@st-andrews.ac.uk) for informal enquiries about this post.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and execute field experiments to quantify spatial and temporal patterns of greenhouse gas flux in the Peruvian Andes

2. Design and execute field and laboratory experiments to investigate the process-based controls on greenhouse gas emissions

3. Operate and maintain analytical instruments, including gas chromatographs, elemental analysers, and isotope ratio mass spectrometers

4. Analyse, interpret and present findings

5. Write research reports and publications  

6. Manage and supervise technicians and postgraduate researchers

7. Coordinate logistics for field experiments in remote locations

8. Use initiative to solve unforeseen problems in order to meet key research objectives

Special Requirements:

You will be required to conduct up to 6 field campaigns in Peru for periods of up to 3 months in duration.

Please note that this job description is not exhaustive, and you may be required to undertake other relevant duties commensurate with the grading of the post.  Activities may be subject to amendment over time as the role develops and/or priorities and requirements evolve. 

If you are shortlisted for interview for this post, and have provided an email address, you will be notified by email (the email address used on your application form) to contact you.  Otherwise, you will be notified by post.

Before an appointment can be confirmed, you will be subject to a Criminal Records Enhanced Disclosure check.

Please Quote ref:   JC140/10

Completed application forms together with a CV and covering letter should be returned either to Jobline@st-andrews.ac.uk or by post or fax to Human Resources, University of St Andrews, The Old Burgh School, Abbey Walk, St Andrews, Fife KY16 9LB, Fax: 01334 462570 not later than 5 pm on 9 March 2010.  Please note - that applications received after this time will not be processed.   We regret there are no mail box facilities after office hours (Mon – Fri - 9 am - 5 pm) for receipt of applications.

The University is committed to equality of opportunity.

Successful candidates will be shortlisted within six weeks of the closing date.  If you have not been contacted within this period your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

The University of St Andrews is a charity registered in Scotland (No SC013532).