Senior Research Associate

Employment type:  Fixed-term (12 months)

Employment basis:  Full-time

Interview date:  27 February 2023

The University of Portsmouth is an ambitious institution with a track record of success. One of only four universities in the south east of England to achieve a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework and ranked in the top 150 in the Times Higher Young University World Rankings.

We are seeking to recruit a Senior Research Associate to work on the ValMaB-DM (Valuing Marine Biodiversity for use in Decision Making) project which will determine novel and policy-relevant values for marine biodiversity in coastal systems.

Biodiversity is not routinely included in marine stakeholder decision making exacerbating biodiversity loss and the impacts on society, economy and well-being.  Using the Solent and Moray Firth as case studies, the ValMaB-DM project will quantify the linkages between biodiversity, natural capital and ecosystem services for climate regulation and nutrient bioremediation. These will be used to accurately value services from key coastal habitats (e.g. seagrass, saltmarsh, littoral sediments), thus supporting novel investment processes to restore habitats. Data will be collated from the literature, but supplemented by field and laboratory experiments for key habitats e.g. European oysters. The post holder will undertake all components of the data/experimental process (based in the Solent, but linking to the Moray Firth) and will liaise with the project research team (Plymouth Marine Laboratory, University of Aberdeen, Eftec and Daryl Burdon Ltd), project partners as well as local stakeholders to deliver activities.

The successful candidate will have a PhD qualification in marine ecology and experience of ecosystem service assessments. This post is funded by the NERC/RCUK economics of diversity scheme (UKRI: Improve Understanding of the Economics of Biodiversity. A willingness to work flexible hours is essential. A driving licence for the UK would be desirable for field work.

The post is based at the Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), which is an internationally renowned marine centre providing research (port.ac.uk Marine Environmental Science Research Group) supporting over 200 staff, undergraduates and postgraduates, but with strong interdisciplinary links across the University e.g. Centre for Blue Governance (port.ac.uk 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. 

The successful candidate will be working with Prof. Gordon Watson (Principal Investigator) and Dr Joanne Preston (Co-Invesigator). Informal enquiries may be made by contacting Prof Gordon Watson on 023 92845798, or by email at gordon.watson@port.ac.uk.

The University of Portsmouth believes this role is eligible for sponsorship with UKVI under the Skilled Worker Route visa, and meets the minimum salary requirements to obtain the minimum points requirement.

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 all talented people. In addition, we want our workforce to be representative of our diverse student population. Please see our EDI Framework and objectives.

Information about us and our benefits.

For detailed information about the vacancy: ZZ007932-1 - Senior Research Associate.docx

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