Research Fellow in Isotope Ecology and Mesopelagic Prey Fields

About the job:

This post offers an opportunity to join the €8.07 million MOSAIC programme (Multi-disciplinary Ocean Sensing for Adaptive International Conservation), supported by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body. MOSAIC brings together researchers and agencies across Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Canada to develop cross-border, science-based approaches to marine conservation in a changing climate.

The successful candidate will be based at Portaferry Marine Laboratory within the School of Biological Sciences at Queen’s University Belfast and will lead the stable isotope ecology component of the pelagic work package. The role focuses on understanding the structure, stability and climate resilience of pelagic and mesopelagic food webs, particularly prey fields associated with the Deep Scattering Layer that support wide-ranging marine predators such as basking sharks, pelagic elasmobranchs and leatherback turtles.

Working closely with international partners, the postholder will integrate isotopic datasets with acoustic, molecular and environmental observations to generate new insights into predator–prey dynamics and climate-sensitive indicators of ecosystem function. The position combines offshore fieldwork, laboratory analysis and modelling, with clear pathways to publication and impact.

The outputs of this role will directly inform MOSAIC’s coordinated conservation strategies for sharks, turtles and climate resilience in pelagic ecosystems, helping to translate cutting-edge science into practical tools for marine spatial planning and species recovery.

About the person:

We are seeking a motivated researcher who:

• Holds a PhD in marine ecology, biological oceanography, isotope ecology or a related discipline and is able to take up post in time to contribute to a scheduled offshore research cruise in July 2026.
• Will bring experience conducting and interpreting stable isotope analyses in ecological contexts
• Has experience working with marine field samples or at-sea collection.
• Can demonstrate proficiency in R or Python of data handling and visualisation.
• Has understanding of marine food web dynamics and trophic models alongside strong quantitative and analytical skills.
• Evidence of scientific writing appropriate to career stage is expected.
• Desirable experience includes familiarity with mesopelagic or deep-sea systems, isotope mixing models, cruise-based sampling, and collaborative research across institutions. An interest in linking trophic dynamics to climate resilience and conservation applications would be advantageous.
• The role requires enthusiasm for both field and laboratory work, including participation in offshore research cruises, and the ability to engage constructively with international partners. Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to high-quality, reproducible research are essential.
• We particularly welcome applicants who combine deep disciplinary expertise with a willingness to work across ecological, molecular and oceanographic interfaces.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information document on our website.

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