Research Fellow in Fate and Effects of Emerging Contaminants in Agricultural Systems

Contract Type: Fixed Term (until 30 September 2028)

Downloads: Candidate Brief (PDF)

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have expertise in the environmental fate and effects of emerging contaminants?

We are seeking a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to join the research group of Professor Laura Carter, UKRI Future Leaders Fellow, and contribute to the pioneering UK Research and Innovation-funded project, Closing the Loop: Emerging Contaminants in Agricultural Environments.

Sustainable agricultural practices, including the use of treated wastewater for irrigation and organic waste-derived soil amendments, are increasingly being adopted to address global challenges such as water scarcity and the need to reduce reliance on synthetic fertilisers. However, these approaches can inadvertently introduce emerging contaminants into agricultural systems. Understanding the environmental and human health implications of these contaminants is therefore critical as their use becomes more widespread.

This project will investigate the fate, uptake, and effects of emerging contaminants in agricultural systems, with a particular focus on pharmaceuticals. Through a mechanistic understanding of contaminant behaviour in agro-ecosystems, the research will provide new insights into how these substances influence soil health, crop productivity, and potential human exposure through food consumption. By integrating expertise across environmental chemistry, plant and soil sciences, and human health, the project aims to transform how environmental risks associated with emerging contaminants are assessed.

Working within a collaborative and interdisciplinary research environment at the University of Leeds, you will design and deliver a programme of innovative research examining contaminant uptake, transformation, and biological effects in agricultural systems. The outcomes will help inform sustainable agricultural practices and future environmental risk assessment frameworks.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and talented researcher with a background in Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Biology, or a closely related discipline. You should hold a PhD and have experience in environmental contaminant research, alongside a strong interest in understanding and addressing the environmental risks posed by emerging contaminants. 

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme options plus life assurance
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available, and much more!   

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent 

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Laura Carter, UKRI Future Leader Fellow and Professor of Environmental Chemistry

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3205 or email: l.J.Carter@leeds.ac.uk

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