Senior Research Associate – Marine biodiversity and recovery dynamics - 1053-26

Lancaster University; Lancashire; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancaster University, through the Lancaster Environment Centre, seeks a Senior Research Associate to study how biodiversity-ecosystem function and island-ocean connectivity are shaped by seabird nutrient inputs. Fieldwork across diverse ecosystems including mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp will be central to this role, with collaboration across Lancaster and partner institutions.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in marine science or disturbance ecology, strong fieldwork

Qualifications

• Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science/disturbance ecology.
• Experience of fieldwork is essential.
• Skills in statistical modelling and a proven ability to publish scientific papers.

Responsibilities

• Conduct fieldwork across study sites including mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp.
• Collaborate with Prof Nick Graham and other team members; contribute to project design and data analysis.
• Support co-mentoring of PhD students where appropriate.

Skills

Fieldwork

Statistical modelling

Publish scientific papers

Education

PhD in marine science or disturbance ecology

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Senior Research Associate – Marine biodiversity and recovery dynamics

Lancaster Environment Centre

Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK

Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)

Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026

Reference: 1053-26

Location: Lancaster. Travel for fieldwork and collaborations as required.

Duration: 4 years

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic temperate or warm-water marine scientist and/or community ecologist to join the Island-Ocean Research Hub. This new research hub will investigate island-ocean connectivity and the influence of seabirds and island rewilding on ecosystem structure, function, and benefits to people. This specific position will focus on how biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and ecosystem recovery potential are influenced by seabird nutrient inputs. Potential study sites will include the inner and southern Seychelles, the Mediterranean Sea and island archipelagos around the UK, and ecosystems to explore include Mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp. This project is led out of Lancaster University, with a number of collaborating universities and NGOs. Fieldwork for the project will include periods in remote locations, working in small teams, and scuba and snorkel-based work, and experience of such working will be essential. There will be opportunities to gain experience in co-mentoring of PhD students. Applicants are encouraged to think through their own ideas about the role of seabird nutrients in biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and ecosystem recovery potential and how their area of expertise could be applied to this study. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof Nick Graham on this project, and collaborate with other members of the research team, both in Lancaster and at collaborating institutions. An exciting opportunity exists for a marine scientist or community ecologist to contribute to a Royal Society funded project: Harnessing island-ocean connections to support ecosystems and people.

Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science/disturbance ecology, experience of fieldwork, skills in statistical modelling, and a proven ability to publish scientific papers. A proactive and enthusiastic approach and good interpersonal skills are essential.

Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 10 of UK universities. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences. Within LEC, there is particular strength in high diversity tropical systems, including coral reefs and tropical rainforests. LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions. We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing and decolonising agendas.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

What To Include In Attach Document Of Your Application

Cover Letter Please discuss why you are interested specifically in this position, and how it fits with your career goals. Please also describe any skills you have developed that are relevant to this post, and how you may seek to develop this area of research. 500 word limit.

CV Please include a 2-page CV.

Publication record: Please upload a list of your publications, clearly distinguishing those that are published and those that are under review. Please do not include those in preparation.

Supporting Statements: Please provide a supporting statement for each Personal Specification point that is listed as being scored via “Supporting Statements”. This should include examples that provide evidence of your experience and expertise. Aim for one paragraph per criteria (~50-200 words).

Referees: Contact information for at least two referees. At this stage, only contact details are required for referees, not letters of support.

For more information, see the Further Information link below.

Informal enquiries for issues not covered in the further information to Prof Nick Graham [e-mail]. Such enquiries are not necessary as part of the application and will not inform any decision. Applications without prior enquiry are welcome and will not be disadvantaged.

Person Specification

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues.

We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.