Job Specifications
About The Role
For informal enquiries, please contact Ryan Mushinski Associate Professor at ryan.mushinski@warwick.ac.uk
Fixed Term Contract | 36.5 hours per week | Funding available for 36 months subject to funding being awarded, the duration may need to be shortened up to a max 34 months depending on the starting salary of the successful candidate.
Title: Nitrogen Oxide Isotapes for Soil Emissions (NOISE)
Funder: NERC via. Uni of York
Project Duration: 25.09.2025 – 24.09.2029
About The Group/team
You will join Dr Ryan Mushinski’s Environmental Processes research group in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Warwick. Our group focuses on soil biogeochemistry and nitrogen cycling, with particular expertise in understanding microbial processes controlling reactive nitrogen emissions from agricultural soils. This position is part of the NERC-funded NOISE project, a collaboration between the University of Warwick and the University of York, bringing together world-leading expertise in microbial biogeochemistry and atmospheric chemistry to address a major uncertainty in predictions of future atmospheric change.
The role is based in our state-of-the-art laboratories at Warwick’s School of Life Sciences, Gibbet Hill Campus, with access to cutting-edge analytical equipment including mass spectrometers, greenhouse gas analyzers, FTIR spectrometers, and molecular biology facilities. You will also work closely with Dr Pete Edwards at the University of York’s Wolfson Atmospheric Chemistry Laboratories (WACL) and conduct fieldwork at Warwick’s Stratford Innovation Campus experimental facilities.
We and the wider University of Warwick environment offer substantial opportunities for professional development including regular opportunities to attend international conferences and specialized technical training workshops.
About You
We are looking for someone with expertise in analytical biogeochemistry, particularly with hands-on experience operating and maintaining sophisticated analytical instruments such as mass spectrometers, spectroscopic gas analysers (e.g., cavity ring-down, FTIR), and soil/gas analysis equipment. You should have strong technical skills in instrument calibration, troubleshooting, and data quality assurance.
The successful candidate will serve as the analytical expert in the laboratory, taking responsibility for the operation, maintenance, and optimization of multiple analytical platforms. You will need to be comfortable with both laboratory-based analyses and field deployments, including setting up and operating automated soil chamber systems and gas sampling equipment in agricultural settings.
We also welcome applications from people with experience in environmental monitoring, agricultural research, or atmospheric science. Additional desirable skills include molecular biology techniques (DNA/RNA extraction, qPCR), experience with isotope analysis, knowledge of greenhouse gas measurement protocols, or familiarity with soil microbiology methods.
Applicants should be proficient in operating and maintaining analytical instrumentation (mass spectrometers, gas analysers, spectroscopic systems), data management and quality control procedures, health and safety protocols for laboratory and field work, and working independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
About The Department
School of Life Sciences
For further information about the School of Life Sciences please see our website at
http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/fac/sci/lifesci
We believe that collegiality, openness, inclusivity and diversity are essential for an excellent research and teaching environment. Our workplace ethic has enabled us to gain the Athena SWAN Silver award. We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage applications from all groups with protected characteristics traditionally under-represented in STEM fields. As part of our ongoing commitment to addressing gender equality under the Athena Swan chartermark, we would particularly encourage and welcome applications from female academics.
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
Research Excellence Framework 2021
How to Apply
CLOSING DEADLINE: Thursday 1st January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.)
About the Company
We're a world-leading university with the highest academic and research standards. But we're not letting the story end there. That's because we're a place of possibility. We're always looking for new ways to make things happen. And our students, alumni and staff are consistently making an impact - the kind that changes lives, whether close to home or on a global scale. It's the achievements of our people that help explain why our levels of research excellence and scholarship are recognised internationally. It's a prime attra...
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