Avian Ecologist

UKCEH; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading ecological research institute is seeking an enthusiastic Aviation Ecologist in Edinburgh. The role involves data collection and analysis on seabird populations, including fieldwork in remote environments. Key qualifications include a B.Sc in biology, strong communication skills, and experience with fieldwork. Offered are 27 days annual leave, a 10% employer pension contribution, and additional benefits including mental health support and flexible working opportunities.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

10% employer pension contribution

Enhanced maternity and paternity leave

24/7 wellbeing support

Flexible working opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience of undertaking fieldwork on seabirds or other vertebrates in small teams.
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in a remote environment.
• Scientifically numerate with good mathematical skills.

Responsibilities

• Collect data on seabirds for long-term monitoring.
• Operate animal-borne data loggers.
• Quantify seabird diet through field and laboratory analyses.

Skills

Fieldwork experience with seabirds

Good organizational skills

Strong communication skills

Numerical and mathematical skills

Education

B.Sc or equivalent in a biological subject

Tools

Excel

Access

Job description

Salary - £31,942 - £33,898 Depending on experience

Hybrid working (50 / 50)

Location : Edinburgh

Closing date : 16th January 2026

We are looking for an enthusiastic Aviation Ecologist to join our team in Edinburgh. Your role will help make a significant contribution to the long-term study of seabird populations on the Isle of May ().

The Isle of May study is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind, which involves intensive monitoring of many aspects of the ecology of six species of seabird. You will also have the chance to be involved in a range of other projects on seabird ecology. We will train you in seabird data collection and laboratory skills in seabird diet, including identification of fish species and age classes.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not‑for‑profit research institute that it’s committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Collect data on seabirds of sufficient quality to contribute to CEH’s long-term monitoring programme
• Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers
• Quantify seabird diet including fish identification from field and laboratory analyses
• Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers
• Archive biological samples and data
• Ensure good management of relational databases on seabird survival, breeding success, diet, foraging behaviour, winter migration and physiology
• Interrogate databases and analyse deliver outputs to address a range of scientific questions
• Analyse data on foraging behaviour and distribution obtained from animal-borne data loggers
• Produce tables, figures, maps and text suitable for reports, technical documents and peer reviewed publications, taking a lead role where appropriate
• Explore and implement new methods and tools and facilities for the collection, processing, interpretation and dissemination of data
• Communicate science to peers and other stakeholders using appropriate techniques (e.g. posters, oral presentations, blogs, reports, refereed publications, workshops, popular science articles)

For the role of Aviation Ecologist, we are looking for somebody who has the following:

• B.Sc or equivalent in a biological subject
• Experience of undertaking fieldwork on seabirds or other vertebrates in small teams
• Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in a remote environment in small teams for extended periods
• Good organisational skills, self motivated and capable of working without significant supervision, including a proven ability to deliver to tight deadlines
• Scientifically numerate and with good mathematical skills
• Excellent working knowledge of Office software including attention to detail when handling large data sets (Excel, Access)
• Strong communication skills in a variety of media (written and spoken)
• Driving Licence (gear shift)

Additional Knowledge / Experience :

• Demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development with clear views on how you might develop your career, including writing and presenting skills.
• Demonstrate that you understand the wider context of your science and its potential impacts at the national level.
• Able to discuss issues with UKCEH staff at all levels.
• Able to identify key stakeholders / funders for your science and demonstrate an understanding of their needs to start developing key partnerships

Desirable skills :

• Ability to handle and ring seabirds, including BTO ringing permit
• Ability to operate and deploy miniaturised data loggers on seabirds
• Advanced laboratory skills in seabird diet, including identification of fish species and age classes
• Ability to process and analyse GPS and other logger data sets
• Ability to use

Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.

As a valued member of our team, you’ll get :

• 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
• 24 / 7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers
• Flexible working opportunities

And much more…

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not‑for‑profit research institute committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and a vibrant seabird research team of 10 committed individuals, giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.

Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self‑sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.