Research Associate - Ecosystem Modeller for VALMAS

FTE:1 (35 hours/week)

Term: Fixed to 31st July 2029

Do you have a passion for the oceans and marine conservation issues? Are you a proficient R-coder? Do you have a background in applied mathematics and statistics? Do you want to further your career in a leading marine ecological modelling team?

You could join the marine modelling group in the Department of Mathematics and Statistics to work on the UKRI funded VALMAS (VALuing Maring Artificial Structures) project (projects.noc.ac.uk/valmas). You will be responsible for modelling the ecosystem-scale effects of Marine Artificial Structures (MAS) alongside climate change and other human activities, especially fishing, in the North Sea. This project uses the StrathE2E marine ecosystem model (outreach.mathstat.strath.ac.uk/apps/StrathE2EApp).

As a Research Associate, under the general guidance of a research leader, you will develop research objectives and proposals, play a lead role in the ecosystem modelling under the VALMAS project, conduct individual and/or collaborative research, contribute to the development of new research methods, identify sources of funding, and contribute to the securing of funds for research, including drafting grant proposals and planning for future proposals. You will write up research work for publication, individually or in collaboration with colleagues, and disseminate the results via peer reviewed journal publications and presentation at conferences. You will join external networks to share information and ideas, inform the development of research objectives and to identify potential sources of funding. You will collaborate with colleagues to ensure that research advances inform departmental teaching effort and you will collaborate with colleagues on the development of knowledge exchange activities by, for example, participating in initiatives which establish research links with industry and influence public policy and the professions.

To be considered for the role, you will be educated to a minimum of PhD level in an appropriate discipline, or have significant relevant experience in addition to a relevant degree. You will have sufficient breadth or depth of knowledge in marine ecology and modelling and a developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals. You will have an ability to plan and organise your own workload effectively and an ability to work within a team environment. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to listen, engage and persuade, and to present complex information in an accessible way to a range of audiences.

Whilst not essential for the role, applications are welcomed from candidates with: relevant work experience, membership of relevant Chartered/professional bodies (including the Higher Education Academy), experience of relevant student supervision and teaching activities, and/or experience of knowledge exchange related activities.

Whilst a Post-Doctoral Research Associate is ideally sought for this position; applications from candidates who are close to PhD completion or whose award is pending, are welcome. In such circumstances, the appointment will be made at Research Assistant level (grade 6) and duties will be adjusted to reflect the grade of the post. This will continue until the PhD award is confirmed, at which point the duties and grade will be revised accordingly.

Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Dr. Jack Laverick, Chancellor’s Fellow in Statistics and Data Science (jack.laverick@Strath.ac.uk).