University of Portsmouth, UK. Senior Research Associate
Faculty of Science & Health, School of Biological Sciences
Employment type: Fixed-term (12 months)
Employment basis: Full-time Salary: £32,348 – £36,386 per annum
Post number: ZZ007932-1
Date published: 09 January 2023
Closing date: 13 February 2023
Interview date: 27 February 2023
Seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to work on the NERC funded ValMaB-DM (Valuing Marine Biodiversity for use in Decision Making) project which will determine novel and policy-relevant values for marine biodiversity in coastal systems.
Biodiversity is not routinely included in marine stakeholder decision making exacerbating biodiversity loss and the impacts on society, economy and well-being. Using the Solent and Moray Firth as case studies, the ValMaB-DM project will quantify the linkages between biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services for climate regulation and nutrient bioremediation. These will be used to accurately value services from key coastal habitats (e.g. seagrass, saltmarsh, littoral sediments), thus supporting novel investment processes to restore habitats. Data will be collated from the literature, but supplemented by field and laboratory experiments for key habitats e.g. European oysters. The post holder will undertake all components of the data/experimental process (based in the Solent, but linking to the Moray Firth) and will liaise with the project research team (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Eftec and Daryl Burdon Ltd), project partners as well as local stakeholders to deliver activities.
The successful candidate will have a PhD qualification in marine ecology and experience of ecosystem service assessments. This post is funded by the NERC/RCUK economics of diversity scheme A willingness to work flexible hours is essential. A driving licence for the UK would be desirable for field work.
The post is based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), which is an internationally renowned marine centre providing research, supporting over 200 staff, undergraduates and postgraduates, but with strong interdisciplinary links across the University e.g. Centre for Blue Governance. Portsmouth is a dynamic and innovative place to work and study and the University is committed to delivering an excellent student experience in conjunction with world-class research.
The successful candidate will be working with Professor Gordon Watson (Principal Investigator) and Dr Joanne Preston (Co-Investigator). Informal enquiries may be made by contacting Professor Gordon Watson on 023 92845798.
Please see the link for details.
Deadline: 13/02/2023
