Research and Impact Fellow - ARC Soil Sensor Technology

Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences comprises four distinct areas across the subjects of chemistry, earth sciences, environmental sciences and geography, each delivering exceptional teaching, support and research. All degree programmes are professionally accredited and designed with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals in mind.

Staff and students work and study in the stunning natural landscape of south west England. Our national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, characterful towns and cities, and 650 mile-long coastline provide the backdrop from which we address global sustainability challenges on land and at sea. Students develop in this supportive environment to be pioneers of a better and more sustainable future for our planet and all of its people.

An interdisciplinary team of world-class academics undertakes teaching and research focused on challenges including climate change, natural hazards, social justice, pollution, energy transitions, land- and seascape conservation and the sensitive development of natural resources.

The School holds an Athena SWAN Bronze award demonstrating the University’s ongoing commitment to advancing gender equality and success for all, and is a signatory to the Royal Geographical Society’s Inclusive Fieldwork Principles.

This role is part of the Good Growth Entrepreneurial Futures project, funded through the Cornwall & Isles of Scilly (IoS) Good Growth Fund.  The Good Growth Entrepreneurial Futures project brings together HE and FE in Cornwall to work with businesses to deliver an extensive programme of R&D led growth activities to drive productivity increases in the region.  As a partnership, we will deliver a programme that builds on existing knowledge and facilities whilst also developing new assets and expertise. The programme will deliver across the whole entrepreneurial ecosystem from working with those business with high growth potential to understanding socioeconomic barriers preventing some of our more marginalised communities from engaging.

The University of Plymouth is delivering research led growth projects for clean energy, net-zero, agri food, immersive technologies and coastal communities. This post is delivering within the Agri-Food/Agricultural Robotics Cornwall (ARC) aspect of Good Growth Entrepreneurial Futures for the University of Plymouth.

You will undertake research and innovation activities in line with University strategy and carry out leadership, management and engagement activities relating to the above project.

You will support the provision of outstanding research and knowledge transfer regarding development of protocols for soil sensor technology to evalaute soil organic carbon and, more broadly, soil health with particular focus on integrating soil sensor technologies (e.g. portable gamma spectrometry, Near Infra-Red Spectroscopy, soil moisture, soil permeability) to deliver data for end-user communities. You will further contribute to development of a robot sensor platform (with a robotics researcher counterpart) and the deployment of mobile laboratory and data visualisation technologies to support sustainable land management agendas and delivery of the related impact goals of the programme.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles. This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Prof. William Blake by email at [email protected]  

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 19th February 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2025 due to funding.  This post is dependent on finalising the Good Growth funding contract.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description