Research Associate in River Ecology

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Job details

Job title Research Associate in River Ecology Job reference REQ260561 Date posted 06/08/2026 Application closing date 06/09/2026 Location Loughborough Package Specialist and Supporting Academic Research grade 6 from £35,608 per annum. Job description

School of Social Sciences and Humanities Full-time and fixed term for 12-months, starting as soon as possible

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

Here's more about the role and what we're looking for:

This post provides an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong background (in freshwater ecology or biogeomorphology) to work on the 3-year NERC funded Pushing the Frontiers Project "The impact of cohesive material on critical shear stress in gravel bed rivers".

This post will be based in the Department of Geography and Environment, but the successful applicant will spend the majority of their time working at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The post-holder is integral to the success of the project and will require high-level freshwater macroinvertebrate and sediment-process knowledge, with experience in fieldwork and physical experiments. The post holder will have a scientific degree or equivalent experience and a PhD in a relevant research area.

The Research Associate will undertake the specific tasks outlined in the project (see duties), assisted by the project investigator and will have access to an established researcher-development programme in which the RA will participate in terms of their personal development.

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.

About You

• You should have current or recent work experience at postgraduate level involving fieldwork and physical experiments associated with macroinvertebrate habitat and ecology.
• You should have excellent working knowledge of UK freshwater macroinvertebrate sampling and species level identification.
• You should be able to work away from home to complete fieldwork campaigns lasting several days, with overnight stays.

Why should you Apply?

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

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.

Application Process

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 . We also offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

The Research Associate will work in collaboration with other team members based at Durham University and Manchester Metropolitan University. As this is a dual/multi-institutional project, team members from this/these institutions may be involved in all stages of selection.

Closing Date: Sunday 6 September 2026 Interview Date: w/c 5 October 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, plus an exciting community at our London campus on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
• 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.