Job Title

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate with expertise in fish ecology and an understanding of seascape ecology to join the Seascape Restoration Lab at the Institute of Marine sciences as part of the scientific team working on the ground-breaking Solent Seascape Project. This five-year, multi-million-pound, multihabitat marine ecological restoration project is delivered by a partnership of ten organisations with the aim to reconnect the Solent into a functioning seascape by improving the condition, increasing extent, and connectivity of key marine and coastal habitats using protection and restoration initiatives.For more information regarding the project, please refer to the Further Information Attachment. The role of the Senior Research Associate will be to join the team leading the scientific monitoring of the of 3 key habitats under restoration: Saltmarshes, Seagrass meadows and Ostrea edulis native oyster reefs. The post holder will be responsible for organising and conducting field and boat sampling surveys to assess biodiversity across the Solent via a variety of methods including 1) fish habitat use (seine netting) 2) ecological connectivity (fish tagging & RUVs) and 3) collation of water and sediment samples for a range of analyses.This project is ongoing, and the SRA will work in collaboration with a Research Fellow who leads the Solent wide monitoring programme of these habitats to assess biodiversity (environmental DNA), and carbon and nutrient stocks and flux (elemental 'stable isotope analysis) to understand the relationships between structure and functioning across different habitats at multiple scales. The post holder will be responsible for data management and meta-analysis and contributing to the writing of scientific papers and science communication briefs.The successful candidate will have fieldwork experience and a publication track record in marine ecology of temperate systems according to career stage. Experience in fish survey methods, including fish tagging, underwater visual surveys or acoustic monitoring are highly desired along with multivariate ecological data analysis. A home office personal fish tagging licences is also highly desirable.The successful candidate will be working in the Seascape Restoration Lab led by Prof Joanne Preston (Principal Investigator) and aspects of the project will be in collaboration with Prof. Gordon Watson and Dr Ian Hendy (Co-Investigators).While this is being advertised as a full time appointment, we may be able to offer reduced hours to the right candidate. We may also be able to support hybrid working for this post.The interviews are currently anticipated to be held on 29 January 2026. This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 31 October 2027.Informal enquiries may be made by contacting Prof Joanne Preston by email at the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.Generous pension scheme.Generous leave entitlement of 32–35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.Staff car parking and discounted public travel.Excellent training and development opportunities.Staff wellbeing programmes.Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.Discounted learning.Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.The perks don’t stop there - click ‘apply’ for further information on My Reward and Benefits UKVI StatementPrior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.ED&I Statement:We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.