Laboratory and Field Senior Technician - Palaeoecology (Fixed Term)

We are seeking a Laboratory and Field Senior Technician (LFST) who will be a member of the Conservation Palaeoecology Lab (CPL) at the Department of Geography. Their work will primarily involve processing and analysing sedimentary charcoal records using the Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy to reconstruct palaeofire, data analysis and occasional field activities.

The Geography Department's laboratory and field equipment facilities, including the paleoecology lab, are at the heart of undergraduate and MPhil physical geography teaching and research. Dr Adeleye's UKRI project "Integrating past and present ecologies, and traditional knowledge for effective biodiversity management into the future (IPPET)" will inform the use of integrative palaeoecology for conservation and management. The LFST will be a vital part of the international wetland conservation palaeoecology project, which will help contextualise palaeoecological data to on-ground management needs.

Furthermore, the LFST will generate and analyse FTIR spectra data and contribute to the interpretation for research publication. They will undertake relevant training, under the guidance of the Geography Science Laboratories Manager, to maintain their skills as techniques and technologies needed to support the Department's research and teaching foci evolve.

They will also ensure spaces and equipment are well maintained and readily accessible to maximise research productivity. They will work closely with the existing CPL senior lab technician to proactively maintain laboratory and field equipment of the CPL, including stocking appropriate consumable items and ensuring the laboratories are a safe working environment for all.

The successful candidate will have experience using an FTIR machine and the application to palaeofire reconstruction, including spectra data handling, analysis and interpretation. Experience of process of plant materials for the development of FTIR spectra reference library, as well as of sediment and peat cores for macro-charcoal analysis using FTIR, is essential.

The role requires strong technical research skills in physical geography/earth science, with substantial experience in the application of FTIR for palaeofire temperature (intensity) reconstruction. Applicants must be able to use the FTIR Spectroscopy machine, build FTIR spectra library from plant materials, process sedimentary charcoal for FTIR analysis, carrying out technical work with a high degree of precision and accuracy. Strong FTIR spectra data handling and analysis skills, troubleshooting, as well as organisational and time management skills are essential.

A proactive interest in sustainable practices is also important for contributing to the CPL's day-to-day operations. The post holder will have the ability to carry out technical work with a high degree of precision and accuracy, together with a willingness to develop new palaeoecological techniques as required in support of the CPL's research and teaching foci.

For more details about the role and its responsibilities, please refer to the 'Further Particulars' link below.

Further Particulars

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 12 months in the first instance.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above.

If you have any questions about the vacancy and/or the application process, please email Mrs Alessandra Uomo, HR Coordinator, at hr@geog.cam.ac.uk.

Interviews are anticipated to take place on Friday, 18th December 2026. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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