Research Assistant in Seabird Monitoring

University of Sheffield; Sheffield; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a Research Assistant to monitor seabird populations, specifically common guillemots on Skomer Island. Responsibilities include intensive observations and data collection, with a focus on productivity monitoring during the breeding season. Candidates should possess a BSc or MSc in a biological discipline, along with experience in field ornithology, data handling, and the ability to work both independently and in teams. This position is part of a project funded by charitable donations.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline.
• Previous experience in field ornithology.
• Experience of rigorous collection and handling of numerical data.

Responsibilities

• Intensive observations of guillemots to identify colour-ringed birds.
• Regular searches of locations around the island for colour-ringed birds.
• Monitoring of productivity of sample pairs at the main study colony.
• Day-to-day organization of fieldwork tasks.
• Maintain contact with PIs to ensure efficient data collection.

Skills

Field ornithology experience

Data collection and handling

Teamwork

Independent work

Knowledge of safe fieldwork practices

Education

BSc or MSc in a relevant biological discipline

Job description

University of Sheffield

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant for a project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster in the School of Biosciences. Our group is interested in the dynamics of seabird populations and the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The project will involve intensive monitoring of the survival and productivity of common guillemots on Skomer Island, Wales, during their breeding season. The project is funded by charitable donations and led by Professors Ben Hatchwell and Tim Birkhead.

Responsibilities

• Intensive observations of a colony of guillemots to identify colour‑ringed birds.
• Regular and systematic searches of other locations around the island for colour‑ringed birds.
• Monitoring of productivity of a sample of pairs at the main study colony.
• Additional duties may arise according to unpredictable developments during the field season.
• Responsible for day‑to‑day organization of fieldwork tasks to fulfil these duties.
• Maintain frequent contact with the PIs, liaising with them to ensure efficient and rigorous collection of field data.

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline.
• Previous experience in field ornithology.
• Experience of rigorous collection and handling of numerical data.
• The ability to work well in groups and independently.
• Knowledge, understanding and experience of safe fieldwork practice.

Diversity & Inclusion

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.