Biological Sciences

We are seeking a Research Fellow to join a new NERC-NSF project titled “Unravelling the formation and impact of the plastisphere in response to environmental stresses in microplastic contaminated soils”.  The post explores the impacts of microplastics on soils, focusing on physical properties and associated microbial processes.  Much of the research will use microfluidics systems to provide a high level of control to explore microplastic breakdown by microorganisms the subsequent impacts on flow and transport.  The postholder will work closely with a Senior Research Fellow with expertise in soil physics, and support will be provided to measure microbial properties. The project is joint with Cornell University who provide expertise in soil biogeochemistry.

The preferred applicant will have a background in porous media flow, preferably in biologically active systems. You will use approaches ranging from microfluidics to packed soil samples to explore how microplastics and their degradation affect hydrological and mechanical properties. A strong focus will be on interfacial processes that affect microbial colonisation and transport, water flow and retention, and plastic migration.

A PhD in a relevant area is required, such as microfluidics or 3D CT imaging of liquid-solid interfacial interactions applied to systems such as soil, rock or other porous media. Some experience working with soil and microorganisms will be beneficial, but this is not essential as you will join a multidisciplinary team. Much of the role will be conducting precise experiments, which the candidate will need to demonstrate from past research outputs. You will need to be a hands-on scientist who can conduct research with minimal assistance.

The post is a collaboration between the School of Biological Sciences and the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, and the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University. The lead investigators at Aberdeen provide multidisciplinary expertise: Prof. Paul Hallett, a soil physicist, Dr. Yukie Tanino, an environmental engineer and Prof. Cecile Gubry-Rangin, a molecular ecologist. Prof. Carmen Enid Martinez at Cornell University is a soil environmental chemist. Two other Research Fellows are working on the project: (i) a soil biogeochemist at Cornell University, and (ii) a soil physicist at the University of Aberdeen.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 Salary Scale, £38,249 - £45,413 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Prior to employment, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK. This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route under the UKVI immigration rules but is dependent on factors specific to the candidate and if tradeable points can be used under the rules. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa.

Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa .

Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (email: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk ) for further information.

To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs

Job Reference Number: SBS177R

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 23 July 2025

The School of Biological Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.

If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk ) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.