Research Fellow (Field Plant & Soil Ecologist)

University of Aberdeen - Biological Sciences

Location: Aberdeen

Salary: £38,249 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience. Grade 6.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 20th August 2025

Closes: 3rd September 2025

Job Ref: SBS180R

Type of Contract: Full-time, Funding Limited until 30 April 2027

This is a great opportunity for a field ecologist who has a keen interest in broader aspects of flora biodiversity and soil health. You will join a team of specialists spanning ecology, soil science, agronomy, environmental modelling, social sciences, and economics. Alongside some members of this group, your primary task will be to collect and analyse field data in Ethiopia. As part of a team of UK- and Ethiopia-based researchers, you will characterise under-utilised plants, sample soils for laboratory analysis and conduct in-field soil health assessments. The collected soil samples will include root:soil (rhizosphere) samples for microbial ecology estimates of diversity, abundance and function. This information will be related to soil chemical and physical measurements to be conducted in laboratories in Ethiopia, in addition to the simpler soil health metrics. You will be a hands-on scientist who enjoys understanding the mechanisms soil microbial ecology and health by considering how different properties interact.

Good project planning is essential due to the multidisciplinary nature of the project. At Aberdeen you will work closely with another research fellow who is an environmental modeller. You will also work closely with teams in Ethiopia to ensure that field sampling campaigns are setup effectively with tasks and resources shared so they are optimised. To work effectively in this team, an ability to communicate science clearly and to be open to wide ranging input on experimental design is essential. The candidate will need to consider the research needs of other investigators, so compromises in experimental planning may also be necessary to accommodate the broader aims of the project. The candidate will produce scientific papers for leading journals, so a proven publication record is essential.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £38,249 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Informal enquiries should be made to Prof Paul Hallet, Chair in Soil Physics, e-mail: paul.hallett@abdn.ac.uk

Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 3 September 2025

The School of Biological Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.