Research Associate

We have an exciting opportunity for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the UKRI-funded interdisciplinary project Fish, Fishers and Finances: Working with Brazilian Traditional Communities to Improve the Ornamental Fish Trade (Principal Investigator: Professor Shaun Killen).

This project integrates fish physiology, welfare science, social science and environmental economics to improve animal welfare, economic resilience and environmental sustainability within the Amazonian ornamental fish trade. The successful candidate will join an international research team working closely with Amazonian fishing communities, industry partners and policymakers. The position is based in Glasgow, with extended overseas fieldwork in Brazil, working with Professor Shaun Killen (line manager), Professor Kath Sloman, and Professor Daiani Kochhann.

The postholder will lead the biological and physiological components of the project, focusing on how capture, handling, transport and holding practices affect the welfare, stress physiology and survival of ornamental fish across the supply chain. The role combines extensive field-based research in the Brazilian Amazon with laboratory-based experimental work. The postholder will work closely with academic and non-academic partners to co-develop welfare-enhancing practices that are biologically effective, logistically feasible and culturally appropriate. The postholder will also contribute to the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, project reports and knowledge-exchange outputs, as well as support the training and supervision of students involved in the project.

This post involves extended periods of fieldwork in remote locations in the Brazilian Amazon and requires availability for international travel and time away from the home institution. Fieldwork will take place in hot, humid and logistically challenging environments, including river-based transport and remote communities. Applicants should be able and willing to work safely and effectively under these conditions.

Candidates should be qualified to Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in a relevant field, such as physiology, animal behaviour, fish biology, aquaculture, veterinary science or a closely related discipline, or possess equivalent professional qualifications and experience. For informal enquiries about the post, please contact Prof Shaun Killen, School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow.

The University of Glasgow is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups under-represented in academia. The University endorses the principles of Athena Swan and holds Bronze, Silver and Gold awards across the institution.

Informal Enquiries should be directed to Professor Shaun Killen, Shaun.Killen@glasgow.ac.uk

This post is full time (35 hours per week) and has funding until 31 March 2028.

Closing date 18 March 2026

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/ 

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.

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