Research Associate

NTU researchers are global leaders in river ecology. To ensure the real-world relevance of our research, we work with a breadth of external partners. We are seeking to recruit a grade E Research Assistant and grade F Research Associate to join our team to contribute to the 'Headstart' project with collaborators at Freshwater Habitats Trust, Wessex Rivers Trust and the Environment Agency.

These posts are within the burgeoning discipline of river restoration. The project aims to advance understanding of how 'winterbourne' chalk streams—ecosystems recognized for their biodiversity, including rare and specialist species—respond to restoration actions. Enabled by our collaborators, we will collect new field data to extend our previous characterization of physical habitats, and aquatic and terrestrial invertebrate communities. These new data will create a uniquely valuable dataset bringing new insight into the effectiveness of restoration actions.

Research Associate (Grade F)
Salary: £29,352 - £33,739 per annum
Full time / Fixed term for 22 months: 1st March 2027 to 22nd December 2028

Working alongside a grade-E Research Assistant, your role will be to organize and lead field trips, then to process the collected invertebrate samples and identify the taxa present. You'll also lead the analysis of the resultant dataset, and work alongside the project leader to prepare to share findings with our research community. You'll also have opportunities to join stakeholder meetings, strengthening your professional network.

Research Assistant (Grade E)
Salary: £28,063 - £30,185 per annum
Full time / Fixed term for 20 months: 1st March 2027 to 31st October 2028

Working alongside a grade-F Research Associate, your role will be to collect new field data, then to process invertebrate samples and identify the taxa present. You'll also have opportunities to contribute to analysis and reporting, as we prepare to share findings with our research community. You'll also have opportunities to join stakeholder meetings, strengthening your professional network.

Both Roles — Requirements
We welcome applications from candidates who have scientific understanding of river ecosystems and experience of using keys to identify aquatic and/or terrestrial invertebrates, as well as experience using R to analyse ecological data. We'll consider applications even if you don't meet every one of the requirements. Recognizing the diverse needs of our team we are open to discussing flexible working patterns, whilst meeting project requirements.

About the School
The School of Science and Technology at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is an exciting multidisciplinary environment for learning, teaching and research, with some of the best facilities in the UK. We specialise in biosciences, chemistry, computing and technology, as well as engineering, forensic science, mathematics, physics and sport science.

Benefits
- 30–35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
- Hybrid working — a mixture of office working and working from home
- Flexibility — open to different working patterns and approaches
- Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection; minimum NTU contributions of 8%
- Access to formal and informal professional development opportunities
- Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings

Interview Date: Friday 15th January 2027

For informal queries, please contact Rachel Stubbington (Professor of River Ecology) at [email protected].