Experimental Research Assistant - Aquaculture

Ace Aquatec; Dundee; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

33 days annual leave

Death in service 4x salary

Employee Assistance Programme

Enhanced parental leave

Birthday day off

Bereavement and sick leave

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Team events

Job summary

Ace Aquatec is seeking an Experimental Research Assistant to join the in-water stunner research team in Dundee. This hands-on role combines fieldwork with rigorous data collection and behavioural observation across aquaculture trials, from early-stage experiments to commercial-scale studies.

You will plan, run and document trials, work with cross-functional teams, and travel to project sites as required. A practical, curious mindset and strong attention to detail are essential, with a

Qualifications

• Experience carrying out experimental trials and collecting robust data.
• Practical fieldwork experience.
• Experience observing/analyzing animal behaviour.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence with technology and ability to learn new research tools.
• Clear communication of scientific observations and findings.
• Collaborative and practical problem-solving approach.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites.

Responsibilities

• Support and carry out research trials involving aquatic species, including trials to establish parameters for in-water stunning systems, commercial trials and behavioural observation trials.
• Collect accurate, consistent and scientifically rigorous experimental data.
• Undertake behavioural observations and analysis, including video review.
• Identify and highlight trends, observations and findings from experimental work.
• Support analysis and interpretation of research results.
• Contribute to preparation of high-quality internal technical reports.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental methods, observations and results.
• Support preparation and setup of equipment for trials and fieldwork.
• Work collaboratively with Research & Development, Operations and Digital teams.
• Collaborate with external partners, including commercial sites, universities and research institutes.
• Travel to project and trial locations as required.

Skills

Attention to detail

Experimental trial experience

Behaviour observation

Data collection

Team collaboration

Driving licence

Technical report writing

Education

APGDipSci, MSc or MRes in Aquaculture or related science

Job description

Experimental Research Assistant - Aquaculture

Location: Dundee, Scotland (hybrid working permitted)

About Ace Aquatec:

Ace Aquatec is an award-winning aquaculture technology company developing innovative, welfare-first solutions for the global aquaculture industry.

Our technologies include in-water electric stunning systems, marine mammal protection solutions, biomass estimation technology and sea lice removal systems. Our aim is to accelerate the adoption of responsible marine practices, helping our customers operate more efficiently, ethically and sustainably.

About the role:

We’re looking for a practical, curious and tech-savvyExperimental Research Assistantto join our team.

Working primarily alongside our in-water electric stunner research team, you’ll help plan and deliver research trials involving aquatic species, collect high-quality experimental data and contribute to the analysis and reporting of findings.

This is a hands-on role that combines practical fieldwork with scientific observation and data collection. You’ll have the opportunity to work on research ranging from early-stage experimental trials through to commercial-scale studies, while collaborating with colleagues across Ace Aquatec and external research partners.

There will also be opportunities to contribute to projects across our wider technology portfolio.

What you’ll be doing:

As our Experimental Research Assistant, you will:

• Support and carry out research trials involving aquatic species, including trials to establish parameters for in-water stunning systems, commercial trials and behavioural observation trials.
• Collect accurate, consistent and scientifically rigorous experimental data.
• Undertake behavioural observations and analysis, including the review and analysis of video footage.
• Identify and highlight interesting trends, observations and findings arising from experimental work.
• Support the analysis and interpretation of research results.
• Contribute to the preparation of clear, high-quality internal technical reports.
• Maintain accurate records of experimental methods, observations and results.
• Support the preparation and set-up of equipment for experimental trials and fieldwork.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across our Research & Development, Operations and Digital teams.
• Work with external partners where required, including commercial aquaculture sites, universities and research institutes.
• Travel to project and trial locations as required.

What we’re looking for:

We’re looking for someone who enjoys practical scientific work, has strong attention to detail and is comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

You’ll ideally have:

• APGDipSci, MSc or MResin Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Zoology, Ecology or another relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience of carrying out experimental trials and collecting robust, reliable data.
• Practical fieldwork experience.
• Experience of observing and/or analysing animal behaviour.
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Confidence working with technology and learning new research tools and equipment.
• The ability to communicate scientific observations and findings clearly.
• A collaborative and practical approach to problem-solving.
• Afull UK driving licenceand willingness to travel to project sites when required.

It would be great if you also have:

• Previous experience within aquaculture or aquatic animal research.
• Knowledge or experience of animal welfare and/or humane slaughter methods.
• Experience of behavioural or video analysis.
• Strong scientific or technical report-writing skills.

Why join Ace Aquatec?

You’ll be joining a growing, innovative business where scientific research has a direct impact on the development of technology used within the global aquaculture industry.

You’ll work alongside scientists, engineers, software specialists and operational teams, gaining exposure to both experimental research and the real-world application of new technologies.

At Ace Aquatec, our values areImaginative, Brave, Respectful and Collaborative, and we’re looking for someone who shares our enthusiasm for using science and technology to improve sustainability and animal welfare within aquaculture.

What we offer:

• Competitive salary, based on experience
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Death in service at 4 x your annual salary
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Enhanced parental leave policies
• Birthday day off
• Paid bereavement and sick leave
• Company salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Regular social breakfasts, lunches and team events

At Ace Aquatec, we want everyone to feel welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We’re committed to providing equal opportunities and creating an inclusive workplace where people are treated with respect.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process where required. If there’s anything we can do to support you during the application or interview process, please let us know.