Salary - £31,942 - £33,898
Permanent, Field & Laboratory work
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.
Do you have a passion for freshwater ecosystems and want to contribute to important monitoring and research to understand how they are responding to environmental change and management?
We’reexcited to offer an opportunity for a Freshwater Ecology Assistant to join our enthusiastic and dedicated team of ecologists within the Environmental Pressures and Responses group, based in Lancaster.A significant part of this role is field‑based, making it perfect for someone who enjoys working outdoors anddoesn’tmindbravingall weathers.You’lltravel to sites across the UK, with some of your time spent in the stunning English Lake District. Here,you’llcollect vital samples and measurements through a variety of freshwater surveys - both on land and from boats. Back in the lab,you’lltransform your fieldwork into meaningful insights, using a range of computer‑based tools toanalysedata.You’llalso play an active role in larger‑scale outdoor experiments, working alongside a supportive, hands-on team with a practical, can‑do attitude.
You’llcontribute to nationally important environmental monitoring and applied research. You could be involved in the long-term monitoring of the iconic Cumbrian lakes (), helping to build vital evidence on how these freshwater systems are changing over time.You may also support innovative approaches such as using environmental DNA (eDNA) tomonitorbiodiversity and detect rare or vulnerable species, including work to protect Arctic charr in the Lake District ().Alongside this, you may work with sensor‑based technologies to understand short‑term changes in catchment water quality, generating high‑resolution data that informs both scientific understanding and practical environmental management.
We’relooking for someone confident working outdoors and within laboratory environments, with experience in water quality assessment, aquatic ecosystemmonitoring,and analysis. You should also be comfortable driving 4x4s to access field sites-which may sometimes be remote. A key part of the role involves making sense of the data you collect - interpreting results, applying modelling techniques, and reporting on ecological change. This meansyou’llalso need confidencewithcomputer programming and statistical methods.
Your main responsibilities will include:
1. Supporting a mix of campaign-based and routine fieldwork, from boat-based long-term ecosystem monitoring on the lakes of the English Lake District to hands-on sampling at a large-scale experimental facility
2. Carrying outlaboratory analysis of water samples todeterminetheir chemical properties and plankton communities.
3. Contributing to research project reporting by summarising and visualising data, and supporting interpretation to turn complex results into clear, usable insights.
In this role,you’llhave the autonomy to drive your own work forward, using your judgement to know when todive inindependently and when to reach out for guidance.You’llbe a collaborative team player who enjoys working closely with colleagues to plan, deliver and communicate impactful research projects.
You’llbring strongorganisationalskills, confidently navigating a dynamic mix of short‑term priorities and long‑term goals. If you enjoy variety, teamwork, and contributing to meaningful research,you’llfeel right at home here. This role is also a great fit for someone keen to grow and take the next step in their career.You’llhave access to high‑quality training and development opportunities to support both your personal and professional progression.
For the role ofFreshwater Ecology Assistantwe’relooking for somebody who has:
4. A qualification in environmental science, ecology,geographyor zoology (e.g.HND/Degree)
5. Proven experience of interpreting complex data and knowledge of statistical methods (e.g.ANOVA, correlation, regression)
6. Confident practical field (lake and river fieldwork) and laboratory experience (i.e., chemical analysis, concentration calculations, species identification)
7. Experience of computer programming such as Python, R, FORTRAN, VBA
8. UK manual drivinglicence(please ensure this is visible in your CV on in your application form)
We would be delighted if you also bring some of the following skills or experience. These are desirable rather than essential, so pleasedon’tbe discouraged from applying if youdon’tmeet all of them.
9. Experience ofidentifyingphytoplankton and/or zooplankton, and/or freshwater macroinvertebrates
10. Experience of collecting and processing samples for eDNA
11. An understanding of the importance of budgetary control and value for money
12. Previousexperience with boat handling and towing trailers
UKCEH offers opportunities for hybrid working, though it isanticipatedthat the post holder willwork fora significant proportionof their time on site toparticipatein laboratory and field work.
You’llbe joininga leading independent, not-for-profit research institutethat’scommitted to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Working for UKCEH is rewarding
We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-orientedperks, such as:
13. 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
14. 10% employer pension contribution
15. Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
16. Peer reward and recognition scheme
17. Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
18. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
19. 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...