Job description
Job Opportunity: Lough Neagh / Lake Nutrient Biogeochemist - Higher Scientific Officer (HSO)
Location: Newforge Lane, Belfast
Hours: Full time (may include occasional overtime, weekends, and unsociable hours)
Pay Rate: £35,560
About the Role
We are recruiting on behalf of our client for a Lough Neagh / Lake Nutrient Biogeochemist - Higher Scientific Officer (HSO). This role supports vital research into the sustainable management of aquatic ecosystems, with a primary focus on Lough Neagh and other Northern Ireland lakes.
This is a hands-on scientific post requiring both field and desk-based work, including sampling from small vessels and laboratory analysis. It's a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of climate science, ecology, and biogeochemistry.
Main duties:
The client conducts research and development, monitoring and technology transfer in support of sustainable management of aquatic resources, focusing particularly on the needs of Northern Ireland.
The purpose of the post is to conduct ecological and biogeochemical modelling in Lough Neagh (and other lakes).
Key Tasks are to:
- Quantify the effect of climate change on biological metrics in lakes, specifically phytoplankton in Lough Neagh.
- Calculate nutrient budgets for Lough Neagh and quantify the impact of climate change on same.
- Interpret ecological trends in lake phytoplankton communities and in nutrient stoichiometry.
- Use of GIS.
- Quantify the effect of climate change on lake recovery.
- Conduct field sampling where necessary from a small boat.
- Conduct lab chemistry where necessary.
- Produce technical report of findings.
- Produce ad hoc graphics as necessary.
- Contribute to peer reviewed publications.
Essential Experience
- Experience of using lake biogeochemical models for producing nutrient advice for lake managers. Ideally in large lakes.
- Proficient in the use of the statistical programming language, R.
- Experience in freshwater phytoplankton ecology e.g. analysis and interpretation of datasets. Ideally long-term datasets.
- Experience of managing resources.
Qualifications
Applicants must meet the following:
- PhD in Biological or Environmental Science
OR
- Degree or equivalent in Biological or Environmental Sciences
AND
- 2 years demonstrable experience in limnological research capacity post qualification
AND
- Lead author of 1 peer reviewed scientific publication
Why Apply?
This is a compelling opportunity to join one of Northern Ireland's leading research institutes and make a tangible impact on environmental policy and aquatic ecosystem health. You'll be part of a team delivering high-quality, evidence-based science that informs lake and nutrient management strategies across local and national agencies.
Apply Now
If you meet the essential criteria and are ready to contribute to innovative environmental research, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply now or contact Hannah Fitzsimons directly at [email protected].

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