University of the West of England
Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management
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Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management
Research Assistant in Water Quality and Pollution Management
Fixed-term 2-year role
The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) and Welsh Government are funding a research project investigating water quality challenges in the River Wye catchment. This role, based at UWE Bristol, is part of UWE Bristol’s Research Beacons, aligned with UKRI, government strategy, and the university’s research ambitions. It supports collaborative work with farmers, land managers, and communities to implement co-designed living labs and assess their impact.
About the Role
The Research Assistant will work within the Centre for Sustainable Agri-Food and Environment (SAFE) as a key member of the water and environment research team, contributing to key projects in water quality monitoring, pollution management, and sustainable catchment practices.
As the awardee, you will undertake interdisciplinary research alongside colleagues in water quality science, soil science, ecological assessment, social behavioural research, farming systems, and governance.
Key Responsibilities
Field & Laboratory Work
- Implement, monitor, and evaluate water quality interventions across the River Wye catchment through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and desk-based assessments.
- Conduct river health assessments, chemical & microbiological testing, sensor deployment (in situ water quality sondes), and aquatic ecology surveys.
- Manage biogeochemical and soil sampling activities.
- Ascertain river health and qualitative/quantitative water quality data collection.
Data Analysis & Reporting
- Assist in data synthesis, visualisation, and interpretation, ensuring robust evidence-based insights.
- Support the production of technical reports, publications, and project deliverables.
- Utilise spatial analysis tools (e.g., ArcGIS Pro/Online, QGIS) for data mapping and visualisation.
Collaboration & Communication
- Work effectively in interdisciplinary settings, bridging scientific/technical expertise with socio-historical perspectives.
- Engage with stakeholders including farmers, policymakers, researchers, and community groups to share findings.
- Present research to departmental teams, academic conferences, or project partners.
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About You
Essential Requirements
- BSc in a relevant science discipline (biology, environmental science, chemistry, geology, agronomy, or equivalent).
- Demonstrated practical experience and technical skills in:
- Water quality sampling and analysis (chemical/microbiological methods).
- River ecology and aquatic monitoring.
- Fieldwork/soil sampling techniques.
- Laboratory data management.
- Aptitude for critical analysis and scientific communication.
- Academic or professional references supporting experience.
Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- MSc in Environmental Science, Water Quality Management, Ecology, Hydrology, or related disciplines.
- Prior involvement in research projects (funded thesis reports desirable).
- Familiarity with GIS platforms (ArcGIS Pro/Online, QGIS) for spatial data analysis.
- Experience with field instrumentation (e.g., field meters, GPS, water quality sondes).
Essential Personal Attributes
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, adapting to diverse academic and cultural backgrounds.
- Strong communication skills (written + oral reports/reports to non-academic partners).
- Commitment to collaborative and applied research, supporting delivery of project outcomes.
- Resilience and adaptability to both lab-based and fieldwork demands.
Where You’ll Work
- Primary base: UWE Bristol’s Frenchay Campus, recognised for its modern, research-focused facilities and vibrant student/staff community.
- This is a fully campus-based role (with occasional remote fieldwork).
Why UWE Bristol?
- ** Progressive values & people-first workplace** aligned with societal challenges:
- Bristol is ranked among the UK’s greenest cities, offering real-world opportunities in sustainability science.
- Members of multi-disciplinary Science Grants Industrial Partnerships team.
- ** Benefits package** including:
- Career average pension scheme and industry-competitive pay.
- 38+ days’ annual leave + designated school term dates.
- Access to childcare support at Onsite Nursery/Family Support Hubs.
- Professional and personal development opportunities.
- Employer BARB Icon, flexible working, and disability access.
- Connections & community:
- Part of a diverse, global university community of 38,000+ students and staff.
- Secure access to leading-edge research infrastructure.
- Sectors and partnerships with Defra, Welsh Government, farmers’ networks.
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Diversity at UWE Bristol
- We prioritise inclusive #UWEWhereEveryoneFits by attracting underrepresented talent, particularly global majority candidates. Applications are strictly merit-based.
- Scheduled adjustments made for disability and neurodivergency requirements throughout the process.
- UWE Bristol’s ambition: Scientific, sustainable progress for people and planet.
Interviews
- Proposed interview dates in August 2026 at Frenchay Campus.
Next Steps
- This is a full-time 2-year fixed-term role (equivalent to 1.0 FTE), expiring on 31/09/2028 (extended from initial interview date). Part-time and job-shared applications are warmly welcomed.
- Salary decisions made in alignment with UWE salary guidelines—your experience qualifies you for competitive rates.
- All hires will undergo an initial right-to-work audit. UK visa sponsorship is not available.
Application Process:
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Complete the online application form highlighting:
- How your qualification/skills meet the specification.
- Project-specific examples (laboratory work, field sampling, data analysis).
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Inform shortlisting eligibility by email mid-July.
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We’ll notify finalists on interview outcomes. Act swiftly; positions are also supported by skills equity teams during selection recommendations.
Get in touch: Contact: Dr Robin Thorn Email: Robin2.Thorn@uwe.ac.uk Telephone: +44 (0)117 328 7655
[UWE Bristol’s Vision: Transforming futures through innovations in science and solving real-world problems!]
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