Senior Geomicrobiologist & Lab Manager at British Geological Survey

UKRI Pay Band E/S2 – salary range is £48,802 to £53,682 (depending on qualifications and experience)

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with a very generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time

Full-time – 37 hours a week (some flexible/remote working options may be available, although this is mainly an on-site laboratory-based role)

Permanent 

About the role 

In this role, you will have the exciting opportunity to lead the geomicrobiology laboratory capability at BGS by: 

• Actively encouraging and empowering staff to achieve excellence and high impact in scientific research and delivery.
• Participating, as appropriate, in strategic programme development undertaken by BGS Programmes that involve the laboratory.
• Representing the laboratory externally, as appropriate, proactively engaging with the user community (government, universities, private sector, BGS colleagues) to develop science and business opportunities.
• Leading and being responsible for the development of science and staffing for the laboratory.

This post will report directly to the Lab Manager for the Transport Properties Research Laboratory and report indirectly to the Head of the Fluid & Rock Processes Laboratories. The successful candidate will be encouraged to work closely with the Head of Geological Disposal of Radioactive Waste and will also be expected to have some staff management responsibilities.

Working effectively with colleagues, and independently where necessary, you will assist with an improved understanding of subsurface microbiology for a range of Energy Transition applications through relevant research and publications.

As a senior Geomicrobiologist, you will work to gain and maintain stature and credibility by identifying and conducting a programme of research/technical innovation within the facility and develop new applications of facility science through some combination of BGS internal and external funding (NERC/EU/other grants/commercial projects) as well as publishing regularly in high quality journals of significant impact.

About you

Candidates should be educated to degree level in a subject relevant to subsurface microbiology. You should also have relevant postgraduate experience, which could include either a master’s and relevant industry experience, or a PhD in geoscience.

We are looking for someone with an excellent knowledge of geomicrobiological sampling, experimental systems to study subsurface microbiology, expertise in geomicrobiology and molecular microbial ecology of subsurface environments, and someone who has led multidisciplinary projects with a microbiology focus.

You will be expected to assist with and develop project proposals and engage with external customers and clients. The role also requires regularly leading or producing written outputs (including client-facing reports, peer-reviewed publications, and presentations). Although the role is primarily lab-based, you may be required to manage some field-based activities, as well as becoming involved in BGS’s international programme.

Please also refer to the additional specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 10th March 2024.  Interviews are expected to be held in early April 2024 in Nottingham.