Research Fellow in Marine Sensory Ecology

An exciting opportunity for an early career researcher to play a pivotal role in the delivery of the Horizon Europe project AquaPLAN (Aquatic Pollution from Light and Anthropogenic Noise).

Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences is primed to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems. Students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact on the sustainability of our environment and society.

With many amazing ecosystems right on our doorstep in the UK’s first National Marine Park, Plymouth boasts one of the highest concentrations of world-leading marine scientists in Europe and benefits from world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station, the fleet of research vessels and LABplus.

Our programmes are grouped into three subject areas: inspiring change for a more sustainable future with biological sciences; protecting the diversity of marine life on our planet with marine biology; and exploring, understanding and protecting our ocean systems with marine science. 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 a UK top 10 impact ranking for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal, Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2023.

The project – which involves thirteen partner institutions from across the EU and Horizon Europe associated countries - presents a unique opportunity for a talented and ambitious early career scientist to build an extensive research network of world leading scientists working on the ecological impacts sensory pollution (artificial light at night and noise pollution). Working alongside Dr Thomas Davies, you will lead the delivery of field and laboratory experiments conducted by the University of Plymouth, and contribute to cross consortium collaboration on a variety of themes. This position will involve some international travel for project meetings and conferences, and fieldwork campaigns lasting for several nights at a time. This position is funded by the UK Research and Innovation Horizon guarantee.

We are seeking to appoint an early career scientist with a PhD in a biological or environmental science related discipline and experience of working in Sensory Biology/Ecology in marine ecosystems. You should ideally have experience of working either on Artificial Light at Night, Aquatic Noise Pollution, or both. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to publish internationally excellent research. Experience of conducting experiments on marine animals in laboratory conditions, manipulating natural lighting regimes, and designing and implementing field experiments would be beneficial.

Candidates who have submitted their final PhD thesis at the point of interview and are are awaiting final examination are eligible to apply for this role.

Candidates should submit a 2 page academic C.V. listing their qualifications, publications, skills and experiences relevant to the role.  Candidates are also expected to submit a personal statement to include a brief (3 page) point by point decription of how they fit the person specification for this role.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Thomas Davies by email at [email protected]

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing Monday 1st April 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for 36 months due to funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.  A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here .

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description