Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (RESCUE project)

Bournemouth University; England; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & wellbeing

Employee discounts

Cycle to work

Sports & activities

Family leave

Modern campus

Job summary

Bournemouth University is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to investigate diadromous fishes in the River Severn, leading fieldwork and laboratory work with acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis.

You will supervise PhD researchers, collaborate with project partners, and develop your own research interests. A PhD (or near completion) in fish ecology is required, with driving licence advantageous. Fixed-term until 31/03/2029.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in fish ecology, fisheries science or related discipline.
• Experience with fish sampling across multiple species.
• Practical experience of acoustic telemetry.
• Familiarity with eDNA methods is advantageous.
• Driving licence is advantageous.
• Strong organisational and communication skills and ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Lead fieldwork and laboratory research on diadromous fishes across life stages.
• Supervise and mentor PhD researchers and junior staff.
• Collaborate with internal colleagues and external project partners to publish findings.

Skills

Fieldwork coordination

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

PhD in fish ecology or related

Tools

Acoustic telemetry

eDNA methods

Job description

About the role

Bournemouth University is working to conserve some of Europe’s most vulnerable migratory fishes. As a Postdoctoral Research Assistant, you will play a key role in investigating the ecology, distribution and movements of diadromous fishes across all their life stages in the River Severn, including European shads, sea lamprey and European eel.

You will lead fieldwork and laboratory research, applying techniques including acoustic telemetry and stable isotope analysis, alongside contributing to environmental DNA (eDNA) surveys. Working closely with a team of PhD researchers, you will provide field and laboratory supervision and mentoring, as well as developing your own research interests within the project. You will also collaborate with internal colleagues and external project partners.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated researcher with a PhD (or with one close to completion) in fish ecology, fisheries science or related discipline. You will have experience of fish sampling, ideally involving multiple species, and practical experience of acoustic telemetry. Familiarity with eDNA methods is advantageous, as is holding a driving licence. You will have strong organisational and communication skills, the ability to work independently and collaboratively, and a publication record appropriate to career stage.

For further and informal discussions, please contact the project’s Principal Investigator, Professor Robert Britton ([e-mail].)

This post is available on a fixed-term basis until 31/03/2029.

About the department

The Faculty of Health, Environment and Medical Sciences is a vibrant and innovative environment containing 3 academic Schools: the School of Health and Care; the School of Allied Health and Exercise Science; and the School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

About us

At Bournemouth University, our motto is Discere Mutari Est - To learn is to change. Guided by our BU2035 strategy, we are building a future-focused university that empowers people to thrive, embraces innovation, and creates lasting impact through education, research and partnerships.

Our success is driven by our people. We are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive environment where everyone feels they belong, can develop their potential and contribute to work that makes a difference. Whether through advancing knowledge, improving lives, strengthening communities or supporting economic growth, our staff play a vital role in shaping the future.

Core Package:

Pay – a competitive salary with opportunities for pay progression
Pension – a valuable defined benefit pension with generous employer contributions

Holiday – Annual leave entitlement of 30 days plus bank holidays and winter closure (pro rata if part time)
Work life balance – flexible working arrangements including opportunities for hybrid working and flexitime (role dependant)

You will also have access to a wide range of voluntary benefits:

• Health & Wellbeing: Employee assistance programme, dental care scheme, health cash plan
• Financial & Discounts: Discounts including a reduction of fees for family members who study at BU
• Travel: Cycle to work scheme, secure bike stores, showers and lockers, free bus travel between campuses, discounted bus travel
• Sports & Activities: Sport BU has a wide range of activities which staff can access
• Family: Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave, on-site nursery with discounts for BU staff
• Modern, vibrant campus locations: Bright and flexible work and meeting spaces, with on-site food outlets and coffee shops

A job description for this position is available at the top of this page. If you require this in a different format, please contact us at [e-mail].