Postdoctoral Research Officer in Seagrass Ecology

Location: Singleton Campus, Swansea

About The Role

This is a fixed term position until 31-01-2026

The successful applicant will join a small project team set within the Spatial & Population Ecology Research Group (SpacePop, led by Prof James Bull) and the Seagrass Ecology Research Group (led by Dr Richard Unsworth). You will join the final year of a four-year, NERC-funded project: ‘Restoration of Seagrass for Ocean Wealth’ (ReSOW). The role comes about through identification of additional salary budget. This puts you in an enviable position, capitalising on substantial existing data and analysis to complete the aims of the project and publish findings in high impact journals.

There are two, key objectives, either of which may be prioritised based on discussion with the successful candidate. One is to extend habitat suitability modelling, already developed for this project, to make climate change-related predictions. The other is to combine existing data from our team’s fieldwork and online databases to construct a comprehensive understanding of biotic and abiotic trends and drivers of seagrass ecosystem services, with an emphasis on fish residency within UK seagrass meadows. This will be delivered within the context of upscaling seagrass restoration that is resilient to future environmental and climate change.

Excellent writing skills are essential, and you will be expected to lead on paper-writing. You will also need a track record in ecological statistics or data-driven modelling; for example, working with habitat suitability models, biodiversity metrics, and / or population dynamics. There may also be opportunities to plug some data gaps using our unique combination of experimental facilities and established field sites around the UK coastline.

The post is offered at Grade 8 but could be offered at a lower grade for suitably experienced candidates without a PhD. Informal enquiries to the project leads are encouraged.

Welsh Language Skills

The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 - A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.

The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.

Closing Date: 18 March 2025

Interview Date: 2 April 2025

Informal Enquiries

• James Bull j.c.bull@swansea.ac.uk
• Richard Unsworth r.k.f.unsworth@swansea.ac.uk

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