Experimental Ecotoxicologist

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Ecotoxicologist to join our world-leading Environmental Pollution team on a 1-year maternity cover contract. The successful candidate will have strong practical ecotoxicology laboratory skills, experience in the culture and maintenance of organisms, and a keen interest in environmental science.

In this role, you will support aquatic bioassays and ecotoxicology studies investigating the impacts of PFAS and other environmental pollutants on organisms. Working alongside technical specialists, scientists and project managers, you will contribute to the successful delivery of research projects, applying a critical approach to laboratory work, troubleshooting challenges, and helping to refine and improve methodologies.

You will be responsible for managing your workload effectively, collaborating with colleagues and project partners, and contributing to the communication of UKCEH's research both internally and externally.

This is an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and gain experience across a diverse range of environmental research projects, working within a collaborative team that delivers science with real-world impact.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the delivery of aquatic ecotoxicity experiments investigating PFAS toxicity, with particular focus on conducting toxicity assays on Daphnia, alongside other freshwater organisms such as Lumbriculus.
• Support other ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation studies, including laboratory and mesocosm PFAS exposure experiments with aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
• Prepare environmental and biological samples generated through PFAS exposure experiments for chemical analysis, and support sample preparation for complementary molecular and mechanistic studies.
• Contribute to the delivery of projects through effective written and oral communication of experimental outputs, while supporting project managers with the coordination of tasks and competing deadlines.
• Contribute as an active team member in the coordination and delivery of projects, primarily in the theme of aquatic ecotoxicology and PFAS, for research funders and commercial customers. 

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• Maintains high standards of laboratory organisation, culture maintenance and data recording, ensuring experimental activities are documented and communicated effectively to project leads and project teams.
• Provides regular updates on progress, results and any emerging issues to project leads.
• Presents progress updates within group or project meetings, as well as external meetings and conferences, as required.
• Participates in organisation-wide forums/schemes, as required.

Key Behaviours

Key behaviours are linked to the UKCEH behavioural framework and include; Excellence - Delivering world class science supporting global environmental challenges; valued by stakeholders, and meeting funder requirements, Integrity - Maintaining the highest standards of research and professional ethics and impartiality & Teamwork - Working together effectively with colleagues, partners and customers to achieve long-term success.

Essential skills:

• PhD level qualification 
• Experience designing, maintaining and conducting aquatic toxicity assays and analysing toxicity data using appropriate statistical approaches and software.
• Experience working independently as well as part of a team. 
• A critical and meticulous approach to your work.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including presenting updates on experiments and data interpretation to project lead/teams.

Desirable skills:

• Hands- on experience culturing and conducting assays with Daphnia and Lumbriculus.
• Knowledge of PFAS.
• A full UK driving licence would be advantageous, as occasional fieldwork may be required.

How to apply and what happens next 

If you’re interested in joining us, we’d love to hear from you. Apply through our Workday portal by uploading your CV and cover letter. 

What happens next?  

Our panel will review your application, and we are committed to providing an outcome to all applicants. 

Working at UKCEH is genuinely rewarding 

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute, where your work will have real impact. Our science helps people and the environment to prosper and informs decisions that benefit society as a whole. We’re proud to be custodians of over 60 years of environmental data, and just as proud of the people behind it. You’ll be supported to develop your career, grow your skills and thrive in a collaborative, purpose-driven environment. 

What we offer 

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us, you’ll benefit from: 

• Generous annual leave - 27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure 
• 10% employer pension contribution 
• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)
• Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and cycling discounts
• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives
• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health, physiotherapy and lifestyle services
• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution
• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes
• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans (terms apply)

Our commitment to inclusion

At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.

Our approach to AI and applications

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to support their application. We encourage you to ensure your submission reflects your own experience, skills and suitability for the role. Every application that meets the essential criteria will be reviewed by our recruitment panel.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this role, and the role is not eligible for endorsement under the Global Talent visa route.

If you already have, or intend to obtain, the right to work in the UK through another visa route that does not require UKCEH sponsorship, please tell us in your application.