Ocean Career: Research Officer at Project Seagrass
Project Seagrass is an environmental charity devoted to the conservation of seagrass ecosystems through community, research, and action.
Our mission is to lead societal change to enable the recognition, recovery, and resilience of seagrass ecosystems globally; that provide biodiversity, equitable and sustainable livelihoods, and planetary life support.
Seagrass Ocean Rescue (SOR) is a research and conservation collaboration between Swansea University, WWF and Project Seagrass that seeks to facilitate, inspire and act to restore 3,000 hectares of seagrass by 2030. This scientific post will work to improve and extend the methods to be used in the upscaling of UK seagrass restoration. The post is to be initially appointed on a fixed term contract, but significant funding opportunities suggest potential for an extended or ongoing position.
The proposed position would link ecology to environmental engineering, enabling the integration of their expertise in marine autonomous vehicles and survey with seagrass restoration and ecology. The post holder would have a marine ecological background, preferably with experience of interdisciplinary working in collaboration with engineers and electronics experts. Preferably the post holder will have knowledge and experience in seagrass or other marine habitat restoration.
Responsibilities:
The suitable candidate will be an innovative individual who will:
* Provide scientific leadership to seagrass restoration methodological research.
* Improve, develop, and test methods for large scale seagrass restoration.
* Provide support and expertise to ongoing seagrass restoration projects in the UK (Wales, England and Scotland) to improve their efficiency and success.
* Lead associated seagrass restoration field and lab studies in collaboration with other Project Seagrass staff and projects.
* Work in collaboration with Ocean Infinity to make effective use of their technology and expertise in autonomous marine survey.
* Pro-actively contribute to and conduct research, including gathering, preparing and analysing data and presenting results.
* Prepare reports and papers describing the results of the research for publication.
* Be self-motivated, apply and use their initiative, aiming to determine suitable ways to tackle challenges.
* Use creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes.
* Interact positively and professionally with other collaborators and partners within Project Seagrass.
* Contribute pro-actively to the development of external funding applications to support their own work, that of others and Project Seagrass in general.
* Contribute to Project Seagrass organisational matters to help it run smoothly and to help raise its external research profile.
* Help maintain seagrass processing facility and equipment warehouse at Cowbridge facility, South Wales.
* Keep informed of developments in the field in both technical and specific terms and the wider subject area.
* Mentor and line manage junior staff.
Minimum Requirements:
* A PhD in marine sciences/marine ecology/marine engineering. Candidates with significant alternative experience to a PhD relevant to this position may also be considered.
* Experience of interdisciplinary science, particularly with respect to linking to the design elements of engineering and electronics with ecology.
* Evidence of active engagement, personal role, and contribution to writing and publishing research papers, particularly for refereed journals.
* Evidence of the capacity for active engagement in designing research and writing, or contributing to writing, applications for external research funding.
* Ability to demonstrate significant independence of focus and direction in research.
* A commitment to continuous professional development.
Job Title: Research Officer - Upscaling temperate seagrass restoration
Salary: £35,326 - £40,927 per annum + pension
Hours of work: 35 hours per week to include some occasional weekend and evening working as required.
Contract: 3-year fixed term, extension subject to continued funding
Location: Cowbridge, Vale of Glamorgan
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