MarLIN Research Assistant x4

The Marine Biological Association; Plymouth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

The Marine Biological Association seeks four Research Assistants for a key project aimed at updating environmental sensitivity assessments for marine habitats in the UK. Candidates should have a postgraduate degree or relevant marine experience and a passion for marine conservation and consultancy. This full-time role offers the opportunity to engage in significant ecological research while working alongside a dedicated team.

Qualifications

• Minimum qualifications required are a relevant post graduate degree and/or relevant marine experience.
• Familiarity with online literature search tools (e.g. WoS, SCOPUS).
• Demonstrable ability to write concise and accurate text for reports.

Responsibilities

• Update MarLIN ‘Marine Evidence based Sensitivity Assessments’ for marine habitats.
• Perform detailed literature review and synthesis.
• Prepare review material for dissemination via MarLIN website.

Skills

Knowledge of marine ecology

Literature synthesis

Critical appraisal skills

Strong written communication

Teamwork experience

Familiarity with online literature tools

Education

Postgraduate degree in relevant field

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

Contract type

Fixed-term from 1 July 2025 to 31 March 2026

Location

The Marine Biological Association, Plymouth, PL1 2PB, UK

Hours

Full-time (37 hours per week)

The role

The MBA is recruiting four Research Assistants to update the MarLIN ‘Marine Evidence based Sensitivity Assessments’ (MarESAs) for marine habitats around the coasts of the British Isles. The project will update the evidence base used to underpin and inform the marine environmental advice supplied by the UK SNCBs (Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies).

The position is desk-based and involves detailed literature review and synthesis, the application of the sensitivity assessment process, and the preparation of review material for dissemination via the MarLIN website. The role would suit candidates interested in pursuing a career in environmental consultancy, marine conservation, and/or science communication.

The post holder will answer directly to the MarLIN Project Manager. The position is fixed term, full time, until the end of March 2026. We are undertaking a rapid recruitment exercise. Successful candidates need to be in post by 1st of July or as soon as possible after that date.

Essential skills: Minimum qualifications required are a relevant post graduate degree and/or relevant marine experience.

• Knowledge and experience of marine ecology and UK marine habitats and species.

• Knowledge of taxonomy and biology sufficient to understand where to find information on marine species and the meaning of technical terms describing their biology.

• Familiarity with online literature search tools (e.g. WoS, SCOPUS etc) and relevant subject area (e.g. marine ecology, ecotoxicology)

• Demonstrable ability to collate and synthesise literature quickly and accurately.

• Demonstrable ability to critically appraise, extract, record and summarize the relevant evidence quickly and accurately (to the quality standards in place)

• Demonstrable ability to write concise and accurate text for reports and (ideally) the web.

• A high regard for the importance of quality control, written accuracy, and a view of how to achieve and maintain quality.

• Experience of working within a team and producing high quality written work to tight deadlines.

• Experience in the use the MS Office suite.

Please visit our website for the full job description.

For further information, please look at the project website https://www.marlin.ac.uk and/or contact Dr Harvey Tyler-Walters [e-mail].

To apply

Please [e-mail] quoting reference 0525RAHTW. You will need to provide three things to apply:

1. Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
2. CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
3. Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. Your application will not be considered without this information.

* Sponsorship is not available for this position.

Interviews will take place the week beginning 23 June 2025