Research Associate in Chemical Ecology

Research Associate in Chemical Ecology
Grade 7 Starting salary £35,333 5-months fixed-term full-time

The Opportunity

This post represents an exciting opportunity for a well-motivated individual to join a team of staff in Keele University’s School of Life Sciences to conduct research on insect-plant interactions and crop protection with plant defence activator treatments. This is for a BBSRC funded research project in which we are collaborating with the agronomy company Agrii.

We require a Chemical Ecologist, Entomologist or Plant Scientist to work on our collaborative BBSRC award, ‘Crop protection against aphids with plant defence activators’. This project will evaluate the performance of different plant defence activator treatments in terms of their ability to reduce aphid pest populations in different wheat varieties. The role involves performing lab experiments and field trials in wheat with aphids. The post will be based in the School of Life Sciences on the main Keele campus but will also require travel to field sites hosted by Agrii.

A degree in Biology or related discipline is required. We also require some experience of handling insects, keeping accurate records relating to experimental samples and results and good laboratory practice. We are looking for candidates with demonstrated ability to deliver high quality research, ability to plan and conduct experiments and ability to record and interpret data with attention to detail as well as being able to conduct field trials. Candidates should have strong interpersonal and communication skills, proficiency in the use of IT, ability to undertake statistical analyses, excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to work independently and as part of a team and to meet travel requirements of the role.

The Benefits

The University recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:  

• Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade (Keele Spine)
• Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave  
• Excellent staff pension scheme   
• Access to continued personal, professional and career development   
• On site ‘outstanding’ nursery    
• Discounted health & fitness facilities on site  
• Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

 Please note that the starting salary will typically be at the bottom of the pay scale shown above.

The University is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. 

The University

Keele University is renowned for its exciting approach to higher education, innovative research, beautiful campus, strong community spirit and excellent student experience.  With a turnover in excess of £170 million, over 12,500 students and a total staff of approximately 2000, the University provides high quality teaching across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects and promotes world-class research.  Further information can be found at https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/

Keele University is committed to the principles of the Athena SWAN charter, and values equality and diversity across our workforce.  We strive to ensure that our workforce is representative of broader society, and therefore, we would actively welcome applications from women/ men for this role.

Keele University values equality and diversity across our workforce and to ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments the University welcomes applications from individuals of Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds for all roles.

Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

How to Apply

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies

Keele University employees wishing to apply should login to Employee Self Service and click on the 'View current vacancies' link.

For informal enquiries may be addressed to Prof Toby Bruce [email protected]   Applications to this address will not be accepted. 

For full post details, please click on the attachment above.
Closing Date: 29 March 2023

Interviews: 03 April 2023

Post reference: KU00003341