PDRA in Active Acoustic Monitoring of Offshore Wind Ecosystem Effects

The Role

An exciting opportunity to integrate multi-modal active acoustic observations with physical oceanographic datasets to help maximise the benefits of future offshore wind, while minimising potential for detrimental ecosystem impacts. 

The EQUIFy project (link) is developing a transferable monitoring and evidence framework to quantify offshore wind ecological impacts to support and accelerate decision making. Decision support tools will guide key policy areas, marine planning and help simplify and thus accelerate the licensing and consenting process, supporting the delivery of the UK’s energy and decarbonisation ambitions in a manner that optimises nature recovery, marine net gain and coexistence with other users. 

We are using active acoustic (multi-frequency scientific echosounder) measurements to investigate ecosystem effects of offshore renewables, through quantification of prey (pelagic fish) availability to top predators (seabirds and marine mammals) alongside passive acoustic and oceanographic measurements. The candidate will develop workflows to integrate these datasets, quantifying the mechanisms driving elevated fish densities around offshore wind, the effects of wind and tide wakes, and differences between fixed and floating offshore wind to reveal the dynamic interactions between predators, prey and offshore renewables. 

The candidate will lead analysis of existing datasets alongside opportunities for new data collection campaigns from distributed multi-sensor seabed landers and ship-based surveys to build a spatio-temporal understanding of how pelagic fish (prey) availability changes around offshore wind infrastructure. Ship surveys ‘downstream’ of windfarms can quantify spatial gradients and wake effects, while autonomous multi-sensor seabed landers provide temporal persistence to quantify predictability over tidal and diel cycles. 

Interaction with collaborators across the EQUIFy project, from oceanography through to social science and ecosystem modelling, there are opportunities to design and lead future field campaigns, publish in high-impact journals, mentor undergraduate and postgraduate students, and contribute to wider projects and proposals to expand the portfolio of related research into novel marine sensing and offshore renewables.

Our Ideal Candidate 

The candidate will lead processing of echosounder datasets, including school detection, quantifying scattering layers, echometrics, fish tracking and single-echo detection, and have experience in data analysis and statistics. Experience with predictive modelling is an advantage for interpretation of results and design of future large-scale distributed and coordinated monitoring campaigns. 

PhD (or equivalent) in relevant subject (marine or environmental science, acoustics, quantitative ecology, engineering, physics, applied mathematics, oceanography etc.) and research experience to support publishing and disseminating results. An interest in oceanographic and ecosystem effects of large-scale marine anthropogenic structures and predator-prey interactions is beneficial, and experience processing oceanographic and ADCP/CTD data is an advantage. 

There are opportunities for new data collection. Experience with echosounder survey design, equipment preparation, data collection and calibration, particularly with moored echosounders is beneficial. A proactive approach to health and safety is essential, along with the ability to contribute to a positive safety culture. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail are also key, ensuring effective collaboration across projects and with external partners. 

Interested?

Full information on the post is available for download below:

Job Description-PDRA Active Acoustic Monitoring.pdf

PDRA Active Acoustics - Job Description - Accessible Format.pdf

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically via the 'Apply' button (recruitment@sams.ac.uk) quoting Job Ref. D12/26.BW in the subject heading.

Closing date for applications is Monday 3 August 2026 - Interviews to be held w/c 10 August 2026. 

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position. 

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