Senior Research Associate – Marine biodiversity and recovery dynamics

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic temperate or warm-water marine scientist and/or community ecologist to join the Island-Ocean Research Hub. This new research hub will investigate island-ocean connectivity and the influence of seabirds and island rewilding on ecosystem structure, function, and benefits to people.

This specific position will focus on how biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and ecosystem recovery potential are influenced by seabird nutrient inputs. Potential study sites will include the inner and southern Seychelles, the Mediterranean Sea and island archipelagos around the UK. Ecosystems to explore include mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp.

This project is led out of Lancaster University, with a number of collaborating universities and NGOs. Fieldwork for the project will include periods in remote locations, working in small teams, and scuba and snorkel-based work; experience of such working will be essential. There will be opportunities to gain experience in co-mentoring of PhD students.

Applicants are encouraged to think through their own ideas about the role of seabird nutrients in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and ecosystem recovery potential and how their area of expertise could be applied to this study. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof Nick Graham on this project, and collaborate with other members of the research team, both in Lancaster and at collaborating institutions.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a Royal Society funded project: Harnessing island-ocean connections to support ecosystems and people.

Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science/disturbance ecology, experience of fieldwork, skills in statistical modelling, and a proven ability to publish scientific papers. A proactive and enthusiastic approach and good interpersonal skills are essential.

Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 10 of UK universities. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences. Within LEC, there is particular strength in high diversity tropical systems, including coral reefs and tropical rainforests.

LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. The university is committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis, as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. The university is also active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing and decolonising agendas.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.