Senior Research Technician – School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences – 107658 – Grade 5 Full-time

Job Description

The Senior Research Technician will be employed by the University of Birmingham to conduct field research activities for the NERC funded project Resolving Mechanisms Regulating Carbon Storage in Forest Soils. This project is led by the University of Lancaster, but all field work will be conducted at the University of Birmingham woodland research facility known as BIFoR FACE where this post is based.

Forest soils contain vast amounts of carbon, and planting new trees and managing existing forests is seen as a critical strategy to mitigate the effects of global climate change on our planet. The basic assumption is that more trees=more carbon, but this assumption is far too simplistic. For example, different types of tree have different impacts on the carbon content of soil, where most is stored. Trees whose roots associate with a particular group of soil fungi – called ectomycorrhizal fungi – (e.g. oak, pines, beech) tend to be associated with soils that have lots of carbon compared to trees that associate with a different type – called arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (e.g. ash, yew, maple). The question is why? This challenge is especially important when considering on-going changes in plant carbon capture in response to elevated atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentrations, and the need to promote biodiversity. For example, tree biomass production generally increases in response to elevated atmospheric CO2 concentrations, but how such responses translate to affect soil carbon pools in forests dominated by different mycorrhizal types is unknown.

The project will use a combination of in-situ and ex-situ stable and radio-isotope tracers, a network of woodlands with contrasting abundance of ectomycorrhizal and arbuscular mycorrhizal host trees. Our findings will push the frontiers of understanding of forest soil carbon dynamics by providing robust mechanistic evidence, enabling local, regional, national and global tree planting and restoration efforts to achieve net zero.

The Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR) is an internationally leading institute in its field that is addressing two fundamental and interrelated challenges: The impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands and the resilience of trees to invasive pests and diseases. The institute consists of laboratory and analytical facilities on the main University of Birmingham campus and a field facility based at Norbury Junction, Staffordshire. The woodland facility is a globally-unique long-term free air carbon dioxide enrichment (FACE) experiment in mature ancient oak woodland. The senior research technician will be based at Norbury Junction, Staffordshire, with an expectation of travel to both the University of Birmingham and Lancaster University on a semi-regular basis.

The senior research technician will be responsible for preparation and implementation of the field experiments being carried out at BIFoR FACE. The Senior research technician will also co-ordinate, document and deliver expert scientific, technical and problem-solving services, associated with all aspects of the field experiments. The senior research technician will also work closely with the institute's other technical staff to ensure the smooth operation of the BIFoR FACE facility and other ongoing experiments. The appointee will be co-responsible for coordination and management of activities at BIFoR FACE, including organising access to the site by staff, students and visitors, conducting H&S training, and organising schedules for measurement/sampling campaigns, including aerial sampling using a bespoke tree canopy access system.

You will provide technical expertise, support and guidance in research support. You may supervise a number of technical staff but even where you do not directly supervise staff you will still be expected to act as a role model and coach others as appropriate.

You will need an in-depth understanding of the research questions, techniques and experimental protocols. You will be able to use your in-depth knowledge to advise on procedures, diagnose and resolve problems, and proactively suggest solutions to issues which arise. You may need to operate out of normal working hours to accommodate experimental procedures.

In order to flexibly use resources you may be offered the opportunity to work in different areas of the department or wider university.

Main Duties

• You will be responsible for assisting in managing the preparation and deployment of experimental materials and instruments in both field and laboratory settings.
• You will use your in-depth knowledge of methods and procedures to advise on techniques and experimental procedures being used by researchers and/or students. This will involve communicating with colleagues at a range of levels and inexperienced students.
• You will need to be able to diagnose and resolve problems and suggest solutions in regard to techniques and experiments.
• Rapidly respond to equipment failure and take appropriate action to ensure that faults are repaired in a timely manner.
• Carry out specialist technical and experimental procedures which will need you to use your judgment to assess the correct technique to use, and to consider how these may be improved, referring to your manager for approval on any proposed changes.
• Working with senior academics to design and implement complex research instrumentation and field experiments within the FACE facility, whilst maintaining the highest standards of Health & Safety and site integrity.
• You will need to maintain accurate records of all techniques and experimental procedures you carry out, and for any other research activities you may be involved in.
• Ensure compliance with legislation relevant to the area of research/activity.
• Manage and contribute to training staff, students and visitors in calibrating and the use of complex scientific instrumentation associated with the BIFoR-FACE facility.
• Provide research support for facility users ranging from ground level sampling to tree top collections using a bespoke canopy access system.
• You may contribute to internal and external audit procedures and to regulatory inspections.

Health and Safety Duties

• Proactive support for health and safety within the laboratory. This may include being required to look after a communal area as part of your duties. Comply with all current rules and ensure all required assessments are in place, approved and up to date.
• Fully understand the safety aspects of equipment operation and be able to demonstrate/train staff (at all levels) on the correct usage of the equipment.
• Ensuring that regular maintenance processes are carried out and that appropriate records are maintained.
• Reporting any breaches or non-compliance with H&S procedures to the relevant manager(s).
• Upholding the correct waste disposal stream as governed by College and local policy for laboratory.
• Postholders may be asked to undergo training as a First Aider and Fire Warden.

General Administration and Organisation

• Ensuring all records are accurate and kept up to date.
• Proactively maintain stocks of consumables, and when required generate purchase order requisitions using University systems.
• Receipt and correct storage of consumables/equipment and chemical reagents.
• Ensuring that the facilities are maintained in a clean, functional and safe condition, reporting any problems through the appropriate channels.
• Ensuring that PAT testing, calibration of equipment and locally and centrally held equipment inventories are up to date and maintained.
• Adopt a proactive attitude to assisting with and implementing carbon reduction and energy saving measures.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of national, University and BIFoR FACE Specific regulations and ensuring site user compliance with such regulations.

Other Duties

• In collaboration with the relevant manager the post holder will take an active role in the training and mentoring process for junior or newly appointed staff.
• Undergo advanced climbing and aerial rescue training using a nationally recognised training provider
• Supports equality and values diversity, moderates own behaviour to avoid unfair discriminatory impact or bias on others.
• Any other duties as may reasonably be required.

Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience

• Extensive relevant workplace experience, equivalent professional qualification or degree in an appropriate subject.
• GCSE level 2 (A*- C/4-9) or equivalent level 2 qualification in mathematics and English.
• In-depth practical knowledge of relevant technical and scientific methods.
• Experience of similar field work, together with familiarity with a wide range of laboratory equipment.
• A full UK driving licence (required).
• Positive service attitude and shows courtesy in dealing with others.
• Ability to organise and manage own workload and demonstrate flexibility in terms of work practices/requirements.
• Ability to work under minimal supervision but function as part of a team.
• Knowledge of current legislation relevant to the role.
• Knowledge of current H&S policies and ability to uphold same.
• Proficiency in commonly used office software packages.
• Understands the importance of equality and diversity in the workplace