Research Associate in River Science

Full-time, fixed-term for 18 months starting 13th July 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

Join us and be part of a vibrant community at Loughborough University.

Here’s more about the role and what we’re looking for:
The Department of Geography and Environment at Loughborough University is seeking to appoint a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to work on a project entitled ‘Stuck in the mud: addressing the fine sediment conundrum with multiscale and interdisciplinary approaches to support global freshwater biodiversity’.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key research role in a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship funded research project that will quantify and develop a mechanistic understanding of how environmental controls drive fine sediment impacts for freshwater biota.

The successful candidate will join our vibrant and friendly multidisciplinary team working collaboratively to tackle aquatic biodiversity losses. The post will involve monthly aquatic ecology fieldwork in local streams surrounding Loughborough University in addition to processing and identification of macroinvertebrates and running ecological experiments.

About the University
Universities are one of this country’s greatest assets. We’re educators, employers, innovators and pioneers. We shape culture and society.

At Loughborough, we strive for better, think differently, challenge convention and take action. We are passionate about finding solutions to the major problems faced by society and the planet, and we create opportunities for those with the drive, the ambition, and the determination to apply themselves in the pursuit of better.

About the Department
Geography and Environment is consistently ranked within the top 10 of UK university rankings, and has a thriving, inclusive, research community and culture. The facilities and technical expertise are world class with scientists who have strong track records of pioneering new ways of working. The department hosts cutting-edge equipment and facilities in the world class ‘River Science’, ‘Sediments and Soils’ and ‘Ecology’ laboratories.

The department is a multi-disciplinary unit with strong international reputation in river science and aquatic ecology. The School of Social Sciences and Humanities is a diverse and inclusive School delivering excellence in learning and teaching, research, and enterprise across the Social Sciences and Humanities.

Geography and Environment: Geography and Environment | Loughborough University

About the Role
The researcher’s main responsibilities will be to conduct regular fieldwork, process and identify macroinvertebrate samples in the laboratory, organise and undertake ecological experiments, project management including day to day coordination with research assistants, arrange and attend project meetings and lead / contribute to relevant analyses and dissemination of the research.

The successful candidate will work under the guidance of the PI Dr. Kate Mathers but will benefit from working within a dynamic wider interdisciplinary team addressing aquatic biodiversity challenges.

About You

• Passionate about river systems, freshwater biodiversity and macroinvertebrates.
• Hands-on aquatic fieldwork experience.
• Independent worker who thrives in collaborative teams.
• Driven to shape river management and environmental policy.

Staff from under-represented groups in higher education and the discipline, including those from racialised minorities, who have a physical or invisible disability, or are neurodivergent, are particularly encouraged to apply. The University is a Disability Confident employer, a member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion Scheme and holds Race Equality Charter and Athena SWAN bronze awards.

Why should you Apply?
With huge amount of variety in the role, there is an opportunity for you to develop and continually grow.

If this sounds like the right place, team and role for you please do get in touch. We’d love to hear from you.

Informal enquiries should be directed to the PI, Kate Mathers, via email to k.mathers@lboro.ac.uk.

For more information refer to the Job Description and Person Specification.

Application Process
For further support with your application, please refer to our application guidance, which includes some top tips to help you when completing your application.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process. If there are additional adjustments, you’d like to request please contact Kate Mathers. We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

Closing Date: 25 May 2026

Interview Date: w/c 22 June 2026

Our Benefits
At Loughborough, our benefits are designed to support your life inside and outside of work, helping you to thrive and feel valued as part of our community. Examples of our benefits include:

Time off - generous holiday allowance, including 14 university closure days and bank holidays, with the option to buy extra through our holiday purchase scheme.

Where you work - access to a range of fantastic facilities with plenty of green space across our 523-acre East Midlands campus.

Financial Wellbeing - competitive pay, two excellent pension schemes, and everyday savings opportunities.

Support for you and those close to you - through our range of life event leave policies as well as access to an on-site nursery at our East Midlands campus, flexible and hybrid working options.

Health and Wellbeing - discounted gym memberships and access to world-class sporting facilities, including physiotherapy, plus healthcare offers such as eyesight testing and wellbeing support.

Travel and sustainability - access to our electric vehicle and cycle-to-work schemes, as well as a variety of travel offers to support sustainable commuting.

Discover more about the full range of rewards and benefits at Loughborough University.