Project Officer (Ecosystems)

Terms: Fixed term contract – 2 years, Full Time post

Closing Date: 17^th April 2024, at 12pm midday. 

Interview date: 24^th / 25^th April 2024

Job share and flexible working patterns will be considered.

Change your career, change lives

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

The Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is The Open University’s (OU) largest research faculty, helping to cement its position as one of the UK’s top research institutions. Our researchers enjoy state-of-the-art facilities to support their subject interests, including specialist laboratories and world-leading analytical facilities. Our vibrant research community are active at the frontiers of knowledge in several areas of STEM. Through collaboration with a wide range of partners we drive innovation, shape policy and practice, and change lives for the better throughout the UK and around the world. 

The role 

The Open University is recruiting a project officer to be part of a team responsible for the management of our Earth, Environment and Ecosystems laboratories.

The postholder will work on the chemical analyses of soil, biodegradable materials, rocks, water, and brines for environmental research. They will be expected to carry out preparation and analysis on a variety of challenging samples using ICP-OES, elemental analysers and other instruments, as well as various other analyses on environmental materials.  

Skills and experience

You should have a degree or equivalent in a scientific subject (preferably environmental, soil, geological or biological sciences) and significant relevant laboratory experience with evidence of professional training in laboratory procedures, ideally in environmental research. Training in specific techniques will be provided where necessary. You should be familiar with Health and Safety regulations, including CoSHH, and be able to demonstrate strong communication and organisational skills, and the ability to work as part of a team.

More information can be provided via a link to the Job Description.

If you would like to discuss the application or recruitment process before making an application, please contact Lauren Denton at Resourcing Hub on 01908 655544 or resourcing-hub@open.ac.uk quoting the reference VRF 21544.

What you get in return 

We have a strong commitment to providing training and development in and beyond your current role. This includes thorough induction into the organisation and regular reviews of your training and development needs. 

We also offer a great range of benefits that support our employees and their families for the long term. Staff Benefits include an attractive pension proposition and 30 days holiday per annum pro rata, plus Bank Holidays and Christmas closure days.

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