"Research Assistant/Associate in Urban Soil Carbon Capture"

Research Assistant/Associate in Urban Soil Carbon Capture

Newcastle University - School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES)

Placed On: 22nd January 2026

Closes: 5th February 2026

Job Ref: 28973

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
The School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) at Newcastle University is seeking to recruit a fixed-term Research Assistant/ Research Associate in Urban Soil Carbon Capture to join an exciting project funded by the EPSRC's Northern Net Zero Accelerator, managed by Dr Anjali Jayakumar and Professor David Manning. The post will involve developing a sustainable network of non-academic and academic stakeholders in the region, with a common interest in using soils to deliver carbon capture as one of a range of ecosystem services.

The project will revolve around a ‘carbon capture garden', which you will create on a live development site using material derived from demolition and waste processing. You will liaise with stakeholders in the design of the facility, to make sure that it meets the needs of stakeholders. A particular focus involves designing structures within the soil to sample the soil solution, and protocols to demonstrate removal of atmospheric CO2 as bicarbonate in solution.

In addition to project-specific activities, you will be encouraged to pursue your own, related, independent research interests and training/development. Furthermore, you will be encouraged to undertake outreach/engagement activities, particularly those designed to increase impact in the context of the Research Excellence Framework.

Successful applicants will join the growing soil carbon group at Newcastle University, which has wider expertise in biochar and Enhanced Rock Weathering. You will work closely with collaborating scientists at Northumbria University, and with others in the region as the project develops.

As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

Salary
Research Assistant - £33,002 to £34,610 per annum.
Research Associate - £35,608 to £36,636 per annum.

For informal enquires please contact Ankush Prashar (ANKUSH.PRASHAR@NEWCASTLE.AC.UK).