Job Vacancy
Research & Knowledge Exchange Theme Leader: Pollution
We are seeking a Research & Knowledge Exchange Theme Leader: Pollution to be based at our Thurso campus.
Responsibilities: The post holders will provide leadership in pollution research, focusing on the occurrence, fate, impacts and mitigation of environmental contaminants. You will lead and grow a portfolio of externally funded research and knowledge exchange projects, oversee ERI’s commercial analytical services, contribute to UHI’s research strategy and REF 2029 preparations and engage with government, agencies, industry and communities to deliver real-world impact. You will mentor early career researchers & support a collaborative, outward-facing research culture.
Qualifications, Experience and Skills: The suitable candidates will have the knowledge, skills and experience normally associated with a PhD plus research experience to enable the delivery and dissemination of independent research. You will have the ability to develop research proposals, sufficient specialist knowledge to effectively contribute to as well as develop and deliver research programmes and have strong communication and customer service skills.
A level of Gaelic ability would be advantageous to your application.
Applications are welcome from candidates who can contribute to one of our existing areas of our current work:
Sustainable Water Quality Management and Wastewater Treatment
Monitoring and Assessing Acute and Chronic Impacts of Pollutants
Minimising Pollution in Rural Sectors
Preventing Harm from Priority Pollutants
And / or one or more of the following areas is particularly welcome:
Environmental modelling and data science
AMR ecology and environmental microbiology
Ecotoxicology and environmental health
Green chemistry and circular innovation
Catchment biogeochemistry and hydrochemistry
Science, governance and policy translation
Benefits of working for us:
45 days annual leave per year (pro rata for part-time staff)
Local Government Pension Scheme (Highland Council)
10% Membership Discount at Highlife Highland
Occupational sick pay scheme and family friendly leave provisions
Staff Support and Employee Assistance Programmes
Employment Benefits Scheme including lifestyle savings and Cycle to Work Scheme
£80 towards cost of glasses required for VDU work
To Apply: For a full job description and an application form, download the pack below or email recruitment.nwh@uhi.ac.uk. Please include your CV, a covering letter is optional.
For informal enquiries, contact: Prof Stuart Gibb, Director of Research & Knowledge Exchange Email: Stuart.Gibb@uhi.ac.uk
Reference no.: NWH PTL 01
Salary range: Research Fellow I £45,153 - £49,512 per annum
Research Fellow II £50,757 - £56,223 per annum
Senior Research Fellow £57,692 - £64,027 per annum
Duration: Open-ended (subject to funding)
Working hours: 35 hours per week, full-time
Location: Thurso
Closing Date: 9am, Wednesday 17th December 2025
If you have any queries about the application process please contact recruitment.nwh@uhi.ac.uk.