Senior Research Associate

University of Portsmouth; Portsmouth; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading educational institution in Portsmouth seeks a Senior Research Associate for the Bioremediation of Coastal Kelp Culture project. The successful candidate will have a postgraduate degree in marine ecology and experience in aquaculture. This fixed-term position involves close collaboration with local stakeholders and is funded by Southern Water Ltd. Competitive salary and generous benefits included.

Benefits

Competitive salary with progression

Generous pension scheme

32-35 days leave plus bank holidays

Family-friendly working policies

Discounted gym membership

Excellent training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Postgraduate qualification in marine ecology is required.
• Experience with ecosystem or aquaculture is essential.
• Driving licence valid for the UK and flexibility in working hours are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Undertake all components of the data/experimental process based at the Solent.
• Work closely with funders and stakeholders to deliver project activities.
• Support evidence assessment for Southern Water in decision-making.

Skills

Postgraduate qualification in marine ecology

Experience in ecosystem/aquaculture

Data collection and analysis

Education

Postgraduate degree

Job description

Senior Research Associate

The University of Portsmouth is a global employer of choice where exceptional people create, share and apply knowledge that makes a difference.

Experience the pride of being part of a select group - one of only four universities in the south-east of England to achieve a prestigious Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework. Additionally, we proudly rank among the top 140 universities globally in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

Ambition, Responsibility and Openness drive our every endeavour. Join our esteemed institution with a proven track record of success, and where dedication to excellence is key. We want people to make their mark in a professional community that truly values people, innovation, and achievement.

The Role

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to work on the Bioremediation of Coastal Kelp Culture project. The global annual seaweed market is worth US$6 billion and increasing, but seaweeds also have significant capacity to bioremediate nutrients. There exists great potential to expand seaweed aquaculture within coastal waters and tackle the eutrophication crisis. Using SeaTree Farms Ltd aquaculture facility (Solent) provides a unique opportunity to assess the nutrient bioremediation capability of coastal kelp aquaculture providing robust evidence to support Southern Water in its future decision making.

The post holder will undertake all components of the data/experimental process (based in the Solent), working closely with the funder (Southern Water Ltd) and SeaTree Farms Ltd as well as local stakeholders to deliver activities. The successful candidate will have a postgraduate qualification in marine ecology and experience of ecosystem/aquaculture. This post is funded by Southern Water Ltd. A driving licence valid for the UK and willingness to work flexible hours are essential.

The post is based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), which is an internationally renowned marine centre providing research supporting over 200 staff, undergraduates and postgraduates, but with strong interdisciplinary links across the University e.g. Centre for Blue Governance. Portsmouth is a dynamic and innovative place to work and study and the University is committed to delivering an excellent student experience in conjunction with world-class research.

Informal enquiries may be made by contacting Prof Watson by email at [e-mail]

This appointment is a fixed-term contract until 30/06/2026.

Interview date

21 October 2025.

For internal candidates it may be possible to apply for this role under the Secondment Policy. If you wish to apply as a secondee, you must have approval of your line manager in advance of submitting your application form. Please confirm in your application that your line manager has approved this.

Benefits

Discover the advantages of joining our university. We offer a range of attractive benefits and opportunities to enhance your work experience:

• Competitive salary, including incremental progression within your scale.
• Generous pension scheme.
• Generous leave entitlement of 32-35 days a year, plus bank holidays, and an additional Christmas closure.
• Family-friendly policies supporting flexible working.
• Staff discounts and loyalty schemes.
• Staff car parking and discounted public travel.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• Staff wellbeing programmes.
• Recreation facilities, including discounted gym membership, food on campus schemes, use of the Library and staff social activities.
• Discounted learning.
• Start-up business mentoring from expert entrepreneurs via our Entrepreneurs in Residence programme.
• The perks don't stop there - click 'apply' for further information on My Reward and Benefits

UKVI Statement

Prior to submitting your application, kindly ensure that you can either demonstrate or acquire the necessary right to work in the UK. If you currently do not possess the right to work in the UK, please be aware that our offer of employment is conditional upon you obtaining it.

ED&I Statement

We are strongly dedicated to embedding equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) within our community. As an Athena SWAN and Race Equality Charter award holder, a member of Stonewall and a Disability Confident Employer we are passionate about creating a welcoming and inclusive environment, regardless of your background. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills, perspectives and experiences. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Please note that this vacancy may be closed earlier than advertised, so early applications are advised.