Senior Research Associate – Marine biodiversity and recovery dynamics
Lancaster Environment Centre
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £39,906 to £46,049(Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)
Closing Date: Friday 30 October 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 17 November 2026
Reference: 1053-26
An exciting opportunity exists for a marine scientist or community ecologist to contribute to a Royal Society funded project: Harnessing island-ocean connections to support ecosystems and people.
Hours: Full time
Location: Lancaster. Travel for fieldwork and collaborations as required.
Duration: 4 years
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic temperate or warm-water marine scientist and/or community ecologist to join the Island-Ocean Research Hub. This new research hub will investigate island-ocean connectivity and the influence of seabirds and island rewilding on ecosystem structure, function, and benefits to people. This specific position will focus on how biodiversity-ecosystem function relationships and ecosystem recovery potential are influenced by seabird nutrient inputs. Potential study sites will include the inner and southern Seychelles, the Mediterranean Sea and island archipelagos around the UK, and ecosystems to explore include Mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp. This project is led out of Lancaster University, with a number of collaborating universities and NGOs. Fieldwork for the project will include periods in remote locations, working in small teams, and scuba and snorkel-based work, and experience of such working will be essential. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof Nick Graham on this project, and collaborate with other members of the research team, both in Lancaster and at collaborating institutions.
Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science/disturbance ecology, experience of fieldwork, skills in statistical modelling, and a proven ability to publish scientific papers. A proactive and enthusiastic approach and good interpersonal skills are essential.
The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences. Within LEC, there is particular strength in high diversity tropical systems, including coral reefs and tropical rainforests. 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.
Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
We anticipate interviews will be held in November 2026.
Informal enquiries for issues not covered in the further information to Prof Nick Graham nick.graham@lancaster.ac.uk . Such enquiries are not necessary as part of the application and will not inform any decision. Applications without prior enquiry are welcome and will not be disadvantaged.
Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.
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Senior Research Associate – Marine biodiversity and recovery dynamics employer: Lancaster University
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