Research Fellow in Soil Biogeochemistry

We are seeking a passionate, analytical and motivated researcher to advance understanding of how carbon is stored, stabilised and preserved in soils and underlying parent materials.

About the Role

This Research Fellow post is part of a major externally funded soil science programme, supporting a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship. You will lead a significant element of the project, investigating the origin, age and stability of organic carbon within soil parent materials.

You will apply analytical and isotopic approaches, including radiocarbon methods, to distinguish petrogenic organic carbon from biospheric carbon inputs and quantify their contribution to long-term carbon storage. The role includes field and laboratory research, coordinating specialist analytical workflows with external facilities, including the National Environmental Isotope Facility Radiocarbon Laboratory, and analysing complex datasets.

Working within an interdisciplinary team, you will contribute to research on soil biogeochemistry, carbon stability and long-term carbon storage. You will disseminate findings through high-quality publications and presentations.

About You

You will hold a PhD in Soil Biogeochemistry, Geochemistry, Soil Science, Environmental Science, Biogeoscience or a related discipline, with experience of conducting independent laboratory and field-based research.

You should have expertise in soil carbon analysis and interpretation, with experience of isotopic or radiocarbon techniques relevant to environmental materials being desirable. You will be confident designing analytical workflows, interpreting complex datasets and preparing research for publication.

You will have excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills, be able to work independently and collaboratively, and manage competing priorities effectively. A willingness to travel within the UK and, where required, to external analytical facilities is essential.

About Us

Cranfield is a specialist postgraduate university with world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and strong industry partnerships. The role sits within our Environmental Sustainability Theme, bringing together leading expertise in soil science and environmental systems to deliver research that supports a more resilient and sustainable future.

We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive. As a Disability Confident Employer, Stonewall Diversity Champion and one of the UK's Top 30 family-friendly employers, we actively support equality, diversity, inclusion and flexible working where possible.

How to Apply

For an informal discussion, contact Dr Dan Evans, Senior Lecturer in Soil Formation and UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, at daniel.l.evans@cranfield.ac.uk.

Apply online quoting reference 5355. For recruitment enquiries, contact hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk.

Closing date: 11 September 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.

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