Avian Ecologist

We are looking for an enthusiastic Aviation Ecologist to join our team in Edinburgh. Your role will help make a significant contribution to the long-term study of seabird populations on the Isle of May (IMLOTS).

The Isle of May study is is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind which and involves intensive monitoring of many aspects of the ecology of six species of seabird. You will also have the chance to be involved in a range of other projects on seabird ecology. We will train you in seabird data collection and laboratory skills in seabird diet including identification of fish species and age classes.

Youll be joining a leading independent not-for-profit research institute that its committed to recruiting talented people like you progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Your main responsibilities will include:

Collect data on seabirds of sufficient quality to contribute to CEHs long-term monitoring programme
Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers
Quantify seabird diet including fish identification from field and laboratory analyses
Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers

Archive biological samples and data
Ensure good management of relational databases on seabird survival breeding success diet foraging behaviour winter migration and physiology
Interrogate databases and analyse deliver outputs to address a range of scientific questions
Analyse data on foraging behaviour and distribution obtained from animal-borne data loggers
Produce tables figures maps and text suitable for reports technical documents and peer reviewed publications taking a lead role where appropriate
Explore and implement new methods and tools and facilities for the collection processing interpretation and dissemination of data
Communicate science to peers and other stakeholders using appropriate techniques (e.g. posters oral presentations blogs reports refereed publications workshops popular science articles)

For the role of Aviation Ecologist we are looking for somebody who has the following:

or equivalent in a biological subject

Experience of undertaking fieldwork on seabirds or other vertebrates in small teams

Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in a remote environment in small teams for extended periods

Good organisational skills self motivated and capable of working without significant supervision including a proven ability to deliver to tight deadlines

Scientifically numerateacy and with good mathematical skills

Excellent working knowledge of Office software including attention to detail when handling large data sets (Excel Access)

Strong communication skills in a variety of media (written and spoken)

Driving Licence (gear shift)

Additional Knowledge/Experience:

Demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development with clear views on how you might develop your career including writing and presenting skills.
Demonstrate that you understand the wider context of your science and its potential impacts at the national level.
Able to discuss issues with UKCEH staff at all levels.
Able to identify key stakeholders/funders for your science and demonstrate an understanding of their needs to start developing key partnerships

Desirable skills:

Ability to handle and ring seabirds including BTO ringing permit

Ability to operate and deploy miniaturised data loggers on seabirds

Advanced laboratory skills in seabird diet including identification of fish species and age classes

Ability to process and analyse GPS and other logger data sets

Ability to use R

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference enabling people and the environment to prosper and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team youll get:

• 27 days annual leave rising to 29 days after five years plus 3 days for our Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)

• 24/7 access to support for physical mental social health or financial wellbeing plus trained Welfare Officers

• Flexible working opportunities

And much more

Youll be joining a leading independent not-for-profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you supporting your career progression and a vibrant seabird research team of 10 committed individuals giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Please note: Unfortunately we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

If weve just described you wed love to meet. Apply now.