Research Assistant in Marine Ecology
Research Assistant in Marine Ecology
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Job Description
Role: Research Assistant in Marine Ecology
Grade and Salary:Grade 6 30805 - 36130 per annum
FTE and working pattern:1 FTE 35 hours per week Monday - Friday
Contract: Fixed term 7 months
Purpose of Role
Marine subsea protection structures can significantly influence seascapes and marine biodiversity by functioning as artificial reefs attracting reef-associated species and promoting wider ecological benefits through cascading effects. Traditionally these structures are made from cement which is a maajor source of CO emissions. In collaboration with Build the Reef Ltd. which has developed a low-carbon concrete alternative using waste shell this project investigates how varying concrete compositions affect marine life colonization. The goal is to enhance biodiversity while reducing environmental impact. The outcomes will guide sustainable offshore infrastructure practices and support the UKs net-zero ambitions and Biodiversity Net Gain commitments.
We seek a researcher with a background in marine science preferably in marine ecology or marine biology to join our team at the Lyell Centre. The role is a mixture of laboratory and desk-based work and involves carrying out taxonomic identification of epi-fauna and epi-phyte species that grow on hard substrates. We encourage disclosure of special needs to enable us to make reasonable adjustments to support you.
The role commences start of November 2025 and is full time (35 hours per week) for a fixed term period until 31 May 2026. The role is based at the Lyell Centre in Edinburgh and remote working is not permitted for this post. Please note the sponsorship is not available for this position.
You will be joining The Lyell Centre for Earth & Marine Science & Technology - a new growing transdisciplinary centre of excellence with a positive supportive work culture. You will work closely withDr Marija Sciberrasand her team.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct a literature review focussed on the role of marine artificial structures in biodiversity enhancement
- Perform taxonomic analysis to quantifyabundance and diversity of epi-biota growing on reef tiles
- Carry out qualitative analysis of underwater video footage to identify and describe mobile species and fish activity around reef blocks
- Enter raw data accurately into digital spreadsheets
- Support the line manager in compiling and preparing scientific report
- Maintain effective communication and collaboration with the project team to ensure timely and efficient delivery of project outcomes.
Essential & Desirable Criteria
Applications will be shortlisted using the criteria below. Please ensure it is clear in your CV or cover letter how you meet the criteria.
Essential
- Applicants should hold a BSc (2:1 or above) and an MSc in marine science ideally in marine ecology marine biology or marine environmental science
- Proven experience and skills in taxonomic identification of marine species particularly those found on hard substrates in UK waters
- Demonstrated proficiency in using laboratory microscopes (e.g. light and stereo microscopes) for biological analysis
- Experience in identifying marine fauna from underwater video footage including the use of video annotation software (e.g. BORIS ImageJ Coral Point Count)
- Strong data management skills including accurate entry and handling of raw ecological data in spreadsheets (e.g. Microsoft Excel)
- Demonstrated ability to conduct a structured scientific literature review
Desirable
- Experience supporting or contributing to scientific reports or written outputs
- Familiarity with marine artificial reef or offshore infrastructure research
- Experience using ecological or statistical software (e.g. R PRIMER SPSS) for biodiversity data analysis
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage and prioritise tasks independently
How to Apply
Applications with FULL CV (and Cover letter) can be submitted up to midnight(UK time)on Tuesday 22nd July 2025.
Contact for enquiries:Dr Marija Sciberras
At Heriot-Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.
Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.
Heriot-WattUniversity is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot-WattUniversity values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.
Employment Type
Full-Time
