BGS GROUNDWATER TEAM
The BGS is recruiting several new staff for our Groundwater team, and we welcome applications from hydrogeologists and scientists working in groundwater-related topics who want to work with us and use their knowledge and skills to meet societal need for a sustainable future
We will offer support and plenty of opportunities to develop yourself and to work with experts that are undertaking groundwater research with impact for the National Public Good. You can find out more about the BGS Strategy here
- These roles can either be based at the BGS headquarters in Keyworth, Nottingham or at our offices in Edinburgh, which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus
- Appointment will be at UKRI Pay Band D/S2 – salary is £39,375 per annum
- Please note that internal UKRI applicants will currently be subject to the UKRI Pay & Reward Policy & Guidance to calculate their starting salary
- A great benefits package is offered!, including an outstanding pension scheme (with a very generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, and access to flexi-time
- Full-time – 37 hours a week or part-time (some flexible working options may be available, including a small amount of remote working, in line with BGS policy)
- Several positions available
Permanent appointment
About our Groundwater team
BGS is recognised by its collaborators as the authoritative national and international long-term provider of data, information and impartial advice on groundwater resources. BGS has a global reputation for powerful research into groundwater resources and particularly for its role in water security and climate change adaptation and implications for human health and livelihoods. In the UK, BGS undertakes a wide range of field and desk-based projects on groundwater quality, quantity and flows working at scales from local to national.
We have the largest group of groundwater research scientists in the UK, with 45 hydrogeologists and environmental modellers, and have access to a research group of 450 scientists to enable an interdisciplinary assessment of groundwater related issues.
We have opportunities for enthusiastic postgraduates/professionals with hydrogeology or water resource knowledge and experience to join us.
About the role
Do you want to apply your specialist scientific and technical skills to deliver and develop research projects for BGS? Working on several projects, you will have the opportunity to get involved with a range of tasks, including:
- Applying specialist hydrogeology, numerical and geoscience skills and working collaboratively to deliver and develop research projects for BGS.
- Undertaking hydrogeological field data collection, data analysis, interpretation and reporting.
- Assisting with to publications, presentations and research funding applications.
- Engaging with internal and external partners and customers.
- Working overseas and with international partners.
As you establish your career and progress within BGS, you can expect to become responsible for management of research tasks/work packages and supervision of students or other staff.
We will support you in developing your personal skills and knowledge, and we will provide opportunities for you to assist with to BGS corporate activities and to represent BGS in external networks.
About you
We are keen to hear from you if you meet the following essential requirements. We will review essential and desirable requirements at both the shortlisting and interview stage. Several posts are available, and there is room to accommodate individuals that meet the essential criteria with demonstrable strengths in one or more of the desirable criteria.
Essential requirements
- A PhD with a strong element of hydrogeology or water resource science or a hydrogeology (or closely related) MSc plus a reasonable amount of relevant work experience in hydrogeology.
You may also apply if you expect to complete a relevant PhD by September 2024 or if you have a first degree in a relevant subject area and a good amount of relevant professional experience in the hydrogeology or water resources sector.
- Enthusiasm for the work of BGS and our core values of impact, impartiality, and knowledge.
- Good personal organisation with the ability to manage competing priorities.
- Willingness to learn and commitment to personal and professional development.
- Numeracy and data analysis skills.
- Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Desirable
- Field work skills, and experience of leading hydrogeological field studies.
- Experience of specialist hydrogeological analysis techniques, such as aquifer tests, environmental tracers and hydrogeochemistry.
- Experience in coding (e.g., R, python) or geospatial analysis or data management.
- Willingness to travel in the UK and abroad for meetings and/or fieldwork.
About BGS
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is a publicly funded applied geoscience research centre and a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally.
We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency! As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society.
How to apply
Applicants are required to include a CV and a covering letter outlining their suitability for this role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.
A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.
If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.
The closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 7 July 2024. Interviews are expected to be either week commencing 22 July or 29 July 2024 in Keyworth, Nottingham.
About The British Geological Survey (BGS)
The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.
BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.
How to Apply
Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you’re applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.
About UKRI
UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK’s innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org.
Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI.
The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.
How we support EDI in the workforce
At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit ‘How we support EDI in the workforce’
Disability Confident Employer
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Additional Information
- Organisation: Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) – British Geological Survey
- Contract Type: Open Ended
- External Closing Date: Jul 7, 2024
- Minimum Salary: Pound Sterling (GBP) 39,375
- Hours: Full-time / Part-time
