Senior Research Technician (111088-1125)

About the Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Ryan Mushinski Associate Professor at ryan.mushinski@warwick.ac.uk.

Fixed-term contract 36.5 hours per week. Funding available for 36 months subject to funding being awarded, the duration may need to be shortened up to a max 34 months depending on the starting salary of the successful candidate.

Title: Nitrogen Oxide Isotopes for Soil Emissions (NOISE)

Funder: NERC via. Uni of York

Project Duration: 25.09.2025 – 24.09.2029

About the group/team
You will join Dr Ryan Mushinski’s Environmental Processes research group in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. Our group focuses on soil biogeochemistry and nitrogen cycling, with particular expertise in understanding microbial processes controlling reactive nitrogen emissions from agricultural soils. This position is part of the NERC-funded NOISE project, a collaboration between the University of Warwick and the University of York, bringing together world-leading expertise in microbial biogeochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to address a major uncertainty in predictions of future atmospheric change.

The role is based in our state-of-the-art laboratories at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, with access to cutting-edge analytical equipment including mass spectrometers, greenhouse gas analysers, FTIR spectrometers, and molecular biology facilities. You will also work closely with Dr Pete Edwards at the University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) and conduct fieldwork at Warwick’s Stratford Innovation Campus experimental facilities.

We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences and specialized technical training workshops.

About You
We are looking for someone with expertise in analytical biogeochemistry, particularly with hands-on experience operating and maintaining sophisticated analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers, spectroscopic gas analysers (e.g., cavity ring-down, FTIR), and soil/gas analysis equipment. You should have strong technical skills in instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and data quality assurance.

The successful candidate will serve as the analytical expert in the laboratory, taking responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of multiple analytical platforms. You will need to be comfortable with both laboratory-based analyses and field deployments, including setting up and operating automated soil chamber systems and gas sampling equipment in agricultural settings.

We also welcome applications from people with experience in environmental monitoring, agricultural research, or atmospheric science. Additional desirable skills include molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR), experience with isotope analysis, knowledge of greenhouse gas measurement protocols, or familiarity with soil microbiology methods.

Applicants should be proficient in operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation (mass spectrometers, gas analysers, spectroscopic systems), data management and quality control procedures, health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work, and working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.

Full details of the duties and selection criteria for this role can be found in the vacancy advert on the University of Warwick's jobs pages. You will be routed to this when you click on the 'Apply' button.

CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday, 1st January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time).

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