Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ocean Science - Grade 7

This 2-year PDRA post will be funded by a NERC project investigating the distribution, activity and diversity of nitrogen fixing microbes in the Arctic Ocean. The project is a collaboration between the University of Liverpool, University of Southampton and National Oceanography Centre, in combination with project partners at Duke University, USA and University of California, Santa Cruz, USA.

The Arctic Ocean is receiving international attention due to the rapid and dramatic environmental change observed over the past few decades, and the uncertainty in the response of the Arctic and its ecosystem to a warming climate. Despite the intense research activity across the Arctic Ocean, there are still key questions related how the Arctic Ocean functions, particular on how primary productivity, which underpins the entire Arctic ecosystem, is sustained. The recent discovery of active nitrogen fixing organisms in the Arctic Ocean means that we urgently need to revisit how nitrogen is supplied to the contemporary Arctic Ocean. A comprehensive data set on the distribution, activity and diversity of nitrogen fixing microbes alongside the hydrography, nutrient and trace metal distribution was collected during a research expedition to the Barents Sea in summer 2023.  Environmental controls on nitrogen fixation were further explored using onboard experiments.

We now seek a PDRA to analyse the data sets generated during the research expedition, including hydrography, nutrients, nitrogen fixation rates, abundance and diversity of nitrogen fixing microbes gleaned from molecular analysis using advanced statistical and machine learning approaches. You will work alongside project investigators and all partners to maximise the potential from this unique data set to answer key questions on Arctic ecosystem function.

You should have a relevant PhD in ocean or environmental sciences, biology or chemistry. Applicants with knowledge of stable isotopes, microbial ecology or nutrient biogeochemistry are welcome. Training will otherwise be provided if candidates meet other essential criteria for the position. You must be able to work as part of a close collaborative team.

Any applicants who are still awaiting their PhD to be awarded should be aware that if successful, they will be appointed at grade 6, spine point 30.  Upon written confirmation that they have been successful in being awarded their PhD, they will be moved onto grade 7, spine point 31 from the date of their award.

This position is offered on a fixed term basis from March 2024 until February 2026. 

The University has the right to close the vacancy early if it is deemed that there have been enough applications received