Lecturer in Marine Conservation

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences at the University of Plymouth (www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools/school-of-biological-and-marine-sciences) is seeking to appoint a new Lecturer in Marine Conservation. You will have expertise within the field of marine conservation and marine biology or policy, and be a highly motivated academic who seeks the opportunity to build a career in a University with an international reputation in marine conservation. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in MPA management, spatial ecology, marine vertebrate/seabird conservation/ecology. You will be expected to develop a successful research portfolio within our highly successful Marine Conservation Research Group (www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/marine-conservation-research-group).

For more information on School of Biological and Marine Sciences, please visit our dedicated webpage at www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools.

For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Simon Ingram: by email at simon.ingram@plymouth.ac.uk.

Our programmes focus on career training, inspiring change for a more sustainable future across the themes of Biological Science, Marine Science, Conservation and Marine Biology. Students are taught by experts in their fields, with teaching informed by world-leading research for which the University has been awarded two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Environment and Conservation, and is ranked 6th in UK impact ranking for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal, Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.

The appointment will complement and build on our existing research and teaching strengths across a diverse range of marine conservation topics including; marine mammal conservation, ecosystem monitoring, noise and light pollution, community ecology, policy and management, and scientific diving.

The teaching associated with this role is closely aligned to two new programmes planned for 2026; Marine Conservation BSc, and Marine Vertebrate Ecology and Conservation MSc, with additional teaching in our MSc in Marine Conservation and BSc in Ocean Science and Marine Conservation. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to teaching across the school including overseas field courses.

We are seeking applicants with good quantitative skills and research active in any of the following areas:

• Marine vertebrate/seabird ecology and conservation
• Applied marine conservation ecology
• Spatial management and MPAs
• Fisheries ecology and management
• Marine conservation policy and practice
• Society and sustainability in marine environments

You will have a relevant doctoral degree and experience at postdoctoral or equivalent level with a proven research track record demonstrated through high calibre outputs of a quality likely to contribute to our future UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.

The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.

Anticipated interview date: Monday 3rd November 2025