Research Fellow - River Pollution

An exciting opportunity to contribute to current debates on river pollution assessment and management.

We are seeking a postdoctoral research fellow with experience in river pollution monitoring and citizen since engagement to undertake field and laboratory work, stakeholder liaison and data processing and reporting activities within the InnovateUK-funded project ‘BacterQuick’  [A validation study for an AI-based early warning system for bacterial river contamination utilising continuous monitoring data including a novel instant bacteria point of use assay and device]. This is an industrial partnership research project between Molendotech and University of Plymouth.

UK waterways face significant pollution primarily from sewer overflows, stormwater drains, farmland runoff and leaking septic tanks – issues currently in the national spotlight. Bacterial pollution impairs water quality and poses a serious health and ecological threats. Current methods for detecting faecal pathogens in water rely on lab-based bacterial culture analysis, requiring skilled technicians and days for results. BacterQuick builds on technology patented by Molendotech to offer a rapid, portable solution for detecting faecal pathogens in water, delivering results in 30 minutes which will revolutionise evidence acquisition across sectors that have a stake in cleaning up our rivers.

Working closely with Moldendotech scientists and in partnership with South West Water, Westcountry Rivers Trust, Friends of the Dart and other citizen science groups, the post holder will be responsible for a high spatial and temporal resolution water quality monitoring programme (both continuous sensor and spot sample monitoring for e.g. turbidity, ammonium, nitrate, pH, temperature and SEC). Multivariate data will provide a catchment process framework for validation and interpretation of bacterial sensor data and support Molendotech’s development of a new predictive AI tool. In addition, evidence will support evaluation of bacterial source apportionment (e.g. sewage outfall vs agricultural sources) and their relative spatial and temporal dynamics to inform current debates. Work will involve substantial fieldwork in wet and dry weather conditions and laboratory analysis.

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in a relevant subject, preferably with strong field and laboratory experience and quantitative grounding. A track record of working with river monitoring and water quality data is essential. Please see Job Description for further details.

For an informal discussion please contact:

Prof. William Blake by email william.blake@plymouth.ac.uk.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

A current full driving licence (manual transmission) is essential as you will be driving University of Plymouth vehicles.

This role is also subject to health surveillance with our Occupational Health team.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 7^th October 2024.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 28^th February 2026 due to funding.

Remote working is available up to 1 day a week.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits/support mechanisms, including ongoing development opportunities, flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

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