At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape AI approaches for conservation using innovative tech and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Company: Lancaster University, a top global research institution focused on environmental challenges.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, dedicated training, and a supportive environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to inclusivity and sustainability in research.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in ecology by developing AI tools for conservation.
- Qualifications: PhD in AI-related fields with experience in deep learning; ecology knowledge is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 39906 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 (Full time, indefinite with end date)
Closing Date: Sunday 13 September 2026
Interview Date: Friday 09 October 2026
Reference: 0755-26
We are seeking a highly motivated researcher to help shape the AI approaches within the broader scientific vision of BEACON (Behavioural Ecology AI for CONservation action), a new interdisciplinary research programme funded by UKRI. BEACON will develop the first integrated AI-enabled system for monitoring ecosystems and guiding conservation decisions through changes in animal behaviour.
You will work closely with the PI (Dr Sally Keith), Co-I (Prof Chris Nemeth, Turing Fellow) and an interdisciplinary team to develop novel AI approaches for automated behavioural monitoring from underwater video, contributing across computer vision, machine learning, edge AI and interpretable decision-support systems. These methods will be integrated with ecological experiments and mechanistic models to create real-world conservation tools.
We are looking for someone with a strong technical foundation and curiosity about applying AI to complex real-world problems. You should have a PhD in computer vision, machine learning, AI or a related discipline, with practical experience developing and applying deep learning approaches to real-world datasets. Familiarity with ecology, animal behaviour or environmental science would be advantageous but is not essential. A commitment to open science, reproducible research and responsible AI principles is essential.
You will join a growing interdisciplinary team within the LEC-REEFS research group, linked strongly to the Data Science and AI Institute @Lancaster (DSAIL), working alongside behavioural ecologists, field ecologists and conservation practitioners. The project draws on an extensive archive of underwater video footage from the ReefRUV Network through Prof Sergio Floeter (Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina), and will collaborate with an international network of academic and conservation partners including Dr José Paula (University of Lisbon), the Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, Cefas, Natural England and Renew Earth.
Dedicated training and mentoring will support the successful candidate in developing expertise in ecology, enabling them to work confidently at the interface of AI and conservation.
Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 1% of universities globally and in the top 10 in the UK. Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences, with strengths in high-diversity tropical systems. LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions.
We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis as well as the Athena SWAN Charter, which recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in higher education and research. Furthermore, we are active and progressive around sustainability, wellbeing and decolonising agendas. EDI is strongly embedded within LEC-REEFS and DSAIL, and we actively work to create an inclusive environment where researchers from all backgrounds can thrive. We are particularly committed to improving diversity in AI and data science, and welcome applications from candidates who are underrepresented in these fields.
We recognise that career paths are not always linear and welcome applications from candidates who have taken career breaks or worked outside academia. We also welcome informal enquiries about flexible working arrangements. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply.
We anticipate shortlisting in September 2026, with interviews shortly thereafter. The successful candidate is expected to start in Jan 2027.
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
Find out what it's like to work at Lancaster University, including information on our wide range of employee benefits, support networks and our policies and facilities for a family-friendly workplace. The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all our colleagues. We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.
Senior Research Associate: Artificial Intelligence for Ecology employer: Lancaster University
Lancaster University is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment that prioritises student wellbeing and success. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from flexible working arrangements and opportunities to lead impactful initiatives in widening participation. Located in the vibrant city of Lancaster, staff enjoy a supportive culture that values diversity and fosters collaboration across disciplines.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Associate: Artificial Intelligence for Ecology
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at Lancaster University, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like Lancaster University. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Associate: Artificial Intelligence for Ecology
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 Lancaster University. 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.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
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 Lancaster University. 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 Lancaster University
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
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.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at Lancaster University. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at Lancaster University to drive research projects forward.
