Job ID: 318223

Experimental Ecotoxicologist

UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

Location: Wallingford, United Kingdom

Apply by: 16 Nov 2026

Relevant Sectors

Environment, Climate, Energy, Water, Sanitation

Monitoring, Evaluation, Policy, Research, Analysis

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Ecotoxicologist to join its Environmental Pollution team in Wallingford on a 12-month maternity cover contract (full-time, on-site). Salary: £40,574 - £43,056 depending on experience.

The role supports aquatic bioassays and ecotoxicology studies investigating the impacts of PFAS and other environmental pollutants on organisms. You will work alongside technical specialists, scientists and project managers to deliver research projects, troubleshoot laboratory challenges and refine methodologies.

Key responsibilities:
- Lead the delivery of aquatic ecotoxicity experiments investigating PFAS toxicity, with a focus on toxicity assays on Daphnia and other freshwater organisms such as Lumbriculus.
- Support other ecotoxicity and bioaccumulation studies, including laboratory and mesocosm PFAS exposure experiments with aquatic and terrestrial organisms.
- Prepare environmental and biological samples from PFAS exposure experiments for chemical analysis, and support sample preparation for complementary molecular and mechanistic studies.
- Contribute to project delivery through written and oral communication of experimental outputs, supporting project managers with task coordination and deadlines.
- Maintain high standards of laboratory organisation, culture maintenance and data recording, and provide regular progress updates to project leads and at internal and external meetings.

Essential skills:
- PhD level qualification
- Experience designing, maintaining and conducting aquatic toxicity assays and analysing toxicity data with appropriate statistical approaches and software
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Critical and meticulous approach, excellent time management and communication skills

Desirable: hands-on experience culturing and conducting assays with Daphnia and Lumbriculus; knowledge of PFAS; full UK driving licence for occasional fieldwork.

UKCEH is a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute offering generous leave, a 10% employer pension contribution, flexible and hybrid working options (depending on role), and a comprehensive benefits package.

Closing date: Monday 16 November 2026

HOW TO APPLY:
Apply through the UKCEH Workday portal by uploading your CV and cover letter. UKCEH reserves the right to close the advert early if a suitable candidate is found, so early application is encouraged. Visa sponsorship is not available for this role.
https://ceh.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/en-GB/CEH_Careers/job/Wallingford/Experimental-Ecotoxicologist_JR1610/apply