At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us in restoring oyster reefs and tackling marine pollution through innovative solutions.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University’s Orkney campus, a hub for marine science and sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, work in a dynamic environment, and contribute to ocean conservation.
- Other info: Opportunity for fieldwork in beautiful Orkney and potential for career growth in marine sciences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on marine ecosystems while collaborating with local fishers and researchers.
- Qualifications: Experience at sea, data handling skills, and a passion for marine conservation required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
The Orkney ‘demonstrator’ project is part of the Horizon funded programme Isla Bonita: Supporting Managing Authorities to Restore the Oceans and Waters on Islands. In line with the European Ocean Pact, Isla Bonita has the overall aim to make the ocean and waters become island communities’ best ally. It will do this by supporting island managing authorities to drive systemic transitions including relevant climate resilience. Island managing authorities will co-develop a range of demonstration projects, including a range of Nature Based Solutions (NBS), into a portfolio with broad applicability.
Part 1: European oysters once formed significant biogenic reefs, delivering important ecosystem services to coastal communities such as habitat provision, water filtration, carbon storage and coastal protection. These important reefs are now collapsed (using IUCN criteria) mostly due to overfishing in the 1800s. The Orkney Demonstrator will restore oyster reefs using at least three different reef types in 10 x 10m patches whilst evaluating and optimising the habitat creation. Shell waste will be repurposed to create the oyster patch reefs and the oyster survival and biodiversity benefits will demonstrate the most cost-effective enhanced design. A plan for scaling-up locally and nationally will be produced.
Part 2: When lost, creels made from non-biodegradable materials remain intact for decades and continue to capture marine animals (ghost fishing) and contribute to marine plastic pollution. This combined with other plastics is a growing problem for Orkney. The technology to improve Abandoned Lost or Discarded Fishing Gear (ALDFG) retrieval from the seabed will be demonstrated and optimised working with local fishers to identify areas with high losses of creels. Litter retrieval innovations will include using marine drones fitted with appropriate tools to allow gear to be subsequently hauled onboard retrieving vessels. Recovered creels will be repaired as necessary and re-used for further fishing.
ICIT is the Orkney campus of Heriot-Watt University, located in Stromness. It was established in 1989 and is an internationally recognised hub for research, consultancy and postgraduate teaching. The campus staff specialise in marine science, renewable energy, and the sustainable blue economy and are situated in the refurbished Robert Rendall Building (the former Stromness Primary School). ICIT is part of the broader Research & Innovation Campus.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience of work at sea, especially with fishers
- Experience of data handling using databases, spreadsheets, GIS and statistical packages
- Ability to work well as part of an interdisciplinary team and to show initiative
- Reasonable fitness level – there will be a need to move equipment or work long hours or at sea in response to tidal cycles that are physically demanding
- willingness to undertake fieldwork and to organise near-shore boat work and subcontractors
- Meticulous approach to scientific work
- willingness to spend time working away from home
- A full UK driving licence or equivalent qualification that would enable driving on UK roads and therefore access to field and laboratory locations
- A strong academic record with practical field-based research experience and/or a PhD in Marine Sciences
- Experience of scientific writing and fluent in English
- A track record of generating outputs from scientific information and research
- willingness to live and work in Orkney
Desirable:
- Appropriate level of diving qualification for compliance with the UK Diving at Work Regulations (CMAS 3*; Dive Master, Dive Leader etc)
- Experience of husbandry, biosecurity, aquarium management for aquatic invertebrates
- Experience of working with aquatic invertebrates, especially molluscs and crustaceans
- An enthusiasm for the marine environment and conservation
- Experience of R
- Experience of marine monitoring
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Applications can be submitted up to 23:55 (UK time) on Monday 10th of August 2026.
Research & Innovation Associate in Oyster Habitat Creation/Lost Fishing Gear in Stromness employer: Ecology Training UK Ltd
Ecology Training UK Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Bradford where you can make a meaningful impact on biodiversity compliance. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, the company provides opportunities for training and collaboration with diverse stakeholders, all while enjoying the flexibility of a hybrid working model and a competitive salary.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research & Innovation Associate in Oyster Habitat Creation/Lost Fishing Gear in Stromness
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We think you need these skills to ace Research & Innovation Associate in Oyster Habitat Creation/Lost Fishing Gear in Stromness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at Ecology Training UK Ltd. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
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Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at Ecology Training UK Ltd. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ecology Training UK Ltd
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In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
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