Research Technician

University of Exeter, United Kingdom

Updated: over 1 year ago
Deadline: 08 Jan 2023

Technical Services

This full-time role is available from 6th February 2023 to 2nd February 2024.

Summary of the role

The Centre for Ecology and Conservation wishes to recruit a Research Technician to work with Dr Regan Early on a Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) funded research project to investigate and tackle biodiversity loss in the UK through partnerships and community action.

The post entails investigating the accessibility and wellbeing benefits of nature to members of diverse human communities in the UK. The post holder will take on desk-based analyses of existing datasets. You will be given opportunities to develop skills and leadership experience in ecological research, social justice, and science communication, and to co-develop research questions with the PIs. We will work with you as far as possible to develop your own interests, and support your career development. The assistant will join the RENEW project, FABio research group (https://www.fabiogeography.com/ ), and the research group of Kevin Gaston (http://kevingaston.com/ ) which are thriving, supportive fora for collaboration.

You will undertake the following:

  • Collate, map, and analyse data on UK biodiversity, particularly the distribution and abundance of birds.
  • Collate, map, and analyse data on human interactions with nature, wellbeing, socio-economic and diversity information
  • Present research results in various forms to other researchers and members of the public.
  • Liaise with academic staff, postgraduate students and postdoctoral research fellows to ensure efficient working research practice and to provide training in research approaches as required.

    • About you

    You should have the following skills and experience:

  • Interest in developing research questions and working with human communities, including individuals from diverse cultural, ethic, political, socio-economic, religious and demographic backgrounds, members of the LGBTQ+ community and people with disabilities.
  • Understanding of how to use GIS software to map, overlay, and visualise multiple types of data
  • Presenting work in verbal, graphic, poster, or written format
  • Ability to maintain accurate and detailed records.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with academic staff and students.
  • Familiarity with use of MS Office.
  • Experience in managing one or more different types of data, e.g. socio-economic data, survey data on attitudes and behaviours, environmental data, or biodiversity data.
  • Experience in coding in R, or other statistical or programming interfaces
  • Willingness to undertake training.
  • Organised and methodical.
  • Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

    • Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

    The University of Exeter

    We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022).  

    Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. More than 99% of our research is of international quality and our world-leading research impact is growing faster than any other Russell Group university (2021 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City .

    Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

    With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

    Benefits

    We offer some fantastic benefits including:

    • 41 days leave per year
    • options for flexible working
    • numerous discounts at leading retailers
    • onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
    • sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
    • stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England

    Further Information

    We are happy to consider requests for flexible or part-time working, or job shares. For further information please contact Dr Regan Early, [email protected]

    Our women in HE work extends the principles of the Athena SWAN Charter and the Gender Equality Charter Mark to all roles in the University.  We are committed to bringing the best development experience to women, and men, at all stages of their careers as well as being passionate about promoting careers for women in science to encourage them to reach their full potential.

    This role may be subject to additional background screening.

    The University of Exeter is a proud supporter of the Technician Commitment, a charter focussing on the visibility, recognition and career development of our technical staff. For further information please see our website.  

    Technical Services at the University of Exeter is comprised of STEMM-facing research and teaching technical staff. Whilst all operating in a single service our staff work in a wide range of specialist areas such as, Engineering, Physics, Geology, Mining and Minerals, Renewable Energy, Life and Environmental Science, Sports and Health Science, Medical Sciences and Medical Imaging.