At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team tackling biodiversity loss through innovative seaweed research and conservation.
- Company: Natural History Museum: a leading science research centre with over 80 million objects and 5 million visitors annually.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27.5 days holiday, hybrid working, and discounts at museums and cinemas.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global biodiversity while working in a diverse and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in marine biodiversity, conservation, and data analysis is essential.
- Other info: This role is part of a Defra-funded project focused on sustainable seaweed cultivation.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Postdoctoral Researcher, DEFRA GCBC GlobalSeaweed
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Postdoctoral Researcher, DEFRA GCBC GlobalSeaweed
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About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum\’s unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
About Us
We are a world-class visitor attraction and leading science research centre. We use the Museum\’s unique collections and our unrivalled expertise to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today. We care for more than 80 million objects spanning billions of years and welcome more than five million visitors annually and 16 million visits to our website.
Today the Museum is more relevant and influential than ever. By attracting people from a range of backgrounds to work for us, we can continue to look at the world with fresh eyes and find new ways of doing things.
We employ 900 staff in a variety of roles, all united by our vision of a future where people and planet thrive. We need everyone to have the passion and drive to help us with our mission to create advocates for our planet and inspire millions to care about the natural world.
Diversity and inclusion matter to us.
Our vision is of a future where both people and the planet thrive. Diversity is one of our core values and we strive to build a workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. All new staff who join us learn about the importance of diversity and inclusion to the Museum and how to contribute to creating an inclusive environment.
We know we have more to do, but we are committed to ensuring that everyone who works at the Museum feels they can thrive and feel valued and respected.
About The Role
Background to the project: Oceans are experiencing unprecedented loss in biodiversity. Wild seaweeds support high biodiversity, yet in some areas they are predicted to lose up to 71% of their current distribution by 2100. Sustainable seaweed cultivation offers a nature-based, climate resilient solution to protect, restore and conserve wild seaweeds globally. The industry also benefits the livelihoods of over 6 million farmers, particularly smallholders and women in developing countries in SE Asia and globally. We aim to support these farmers’ livelihoods, develop climate resilient seaweed cultivars, launch a global seaweed conservation strategy, develop novel approaches for seaweed resource management and attract further investment to safeguard this industry. To address this aim, we are addressing the following: the key steps required to promote investment in the global protection, conservation and restoration of wild seaweed stocks, and their associated biodiversity, and to integrate this with the sustainable management of the seaweed aquaculture industry at a time of accelerating climate impact.
The post: We are seeking an enthusiastic, highly engaged PDRA to join our team for six months on the project: GlobalSeaweed SUPERSTAR, Supporting livelihoods by protecting, enhancing and restoring biodiversity by securing the future of the seaweed aquaculture industry in developing countries , a Defra-funded project as part of the UK Government’s Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) programme ( team consists of Professor Elizabeth Cottier-Cook (Scottish Institute for Marine Science), Professor Juliet Brodie (Natural History Museum) and Professor Phaik Eem Lim (University of Malaysia).
You will have experience in marine – ideally seaweeds – biodiversity, conservation and aquaculture. You will be employed at the Natural History Museum to work on two main components of one of the project’s Work Packages (WP): ‘To conserve wild seaweed-associated biodiversity and farmed cultivars globally.’
This is an exciting and novel project where you will be working closely with the WP lead, Prof. Brodie and with your counterpart PDRAs in the University of Malaya and the Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS).
About You
You will have knowledge and experience working with seaweeds, including an understanding of seaweed diversity. You will also have knowledge and ideally experience of IUCN Red Listing and other conservation approaches. An ability to work with databases, and to analyse and synthesize information, including from worksheets completed by a wide range of people will be necessary. You should have knowledge and experience within a data-driven environment, including a working knowledge of GIS, R and statistical analysis as well as data visualisation. You will be innovative and ambitious to create novel approaches to the work. An ability to work in a team and independently is necessary, along with excellent communication, organisational and planning skills. You will be a careful worker with close attention to detail and able to work at pace and to tight deadlines. You will also need to demonstrate excellent oral and written English skills.
Thriving at the Museum: the way we work
We are proud to work at the Museum and have identified the qualities we all need to embody to reach our shared ambition. This sits alongside the Museum’s values and forms the framework for the way we work.
Find out more here
What We Offer
- 27.5 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays (full time equivalent)
- Generous defined contribution Natural History Museum Pension Scheme (employer contribution 4 – 10%)
- Season ticket, bicycle and rental loan
- Life insurance
- Free admission to our exhibitions and many other paid exhibitions at museums, galleries and institutions across London and the UK.
- Staff discount at our Museum shops and cafes
- We offer a wide variety of training initiatives and opportunities to build skills. Investing in staff development is important to us, and we are ambitious about helping staff to grow and fulfil their potential.
- Affordable membership to the Civil Service Sports Council which offers a range of benefits including an extensive list of special offers and reduced entry fees at a selection of cinema chains, theme parks, theatres, retailers and supermarkets. It also provides entry to up to 300 English Heritage sites and other national treasures. For more details, visit
- Membership to our Sports and Social Association (for a small fee), which includes access to our in-house gym and clubs such as football, softball, table tennis and tennis and classes in Middle Eastern dance, yoga and Tai Chi
Hybrid working
We are working towards a vision where both people and planet thrive, and nothing gives a greater connection with this, than seeing first-hand, the visitors, scientific research and collections that all of our work is inspired by and working side by side with the teams delivering the visitor experience and events. We also recognise the benefits and flexibility that hybrid working brings. We operate a hybrid working model that requires regular, weekly attendance for this role, with the precise pattern of days on site and worked from home to be agreed with your manager.
How To Apply
If this sounds like you, please apply below by clicking on Apply for job .
Please note that as part of our commitment to anonymised shortlisting, panels do not view CVs during the recruitment process. If you choose to upload your CV, our system will automatically pull information from your CV into our application form. We advise you to double-check your application form data before submitting as the tool may interpret CVs differently.
Closing date: 18 August 2025, 23:59
Interviews expected: w/c 01 September 2025
Please note that this role does not qualify for Museum sponsorship so the successful postholder will need to have a valid right to work in the UK at the point of offer.
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Postdoctoral Researcher, DEFRA GCBC GlobalSeaweed employer: Natural History Museum
Contact Detail:
Natural History Museum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Researcher, DEFRA GCBC GlobalSeaweed
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in marine biology and conservation. Attend relevant conferences or seminars where you can meet experts in the field, including those associated with the Natural History Museum. This can help you gain insights into the role and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and developments in seaweed biodiversity and aquaculture. Being well-versed in current trends will not only enhance your knowledge but also demonstrate your passion and commitment during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with data analysis tools like GIS and R. Since the role requires a strong data-driven approach, being able to articulate your proficiency and provide examples of how you've used these tools in past projects will set you apart.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your communication skills by engaging in discussions about biodiversity and conservation on platforms like LinkedIn. Sharing articles or writing posts can highlight your expertise and interest in the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Researcher, DEFRA GCBC GlobalSeaweed
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Postdoctoral Researcher position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, such as experience in marine biodiversity and data analysis, to tailor your application.
Craft a Tailored CV: Create a CV that specifically addresses the qualifications and experiences mentioned in the job description. Emphasise your relevant research experience, particularly with seaweeds, and any knowledge of conservation approaches.
Write a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the mission of the Natural History Museum. Discuss how your background aligns with their goals, particularly in supporting livelihoods and biodiversity.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Ensure there are no grammatical errors and that your writing is clear and concise, showcasing your excellent communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Natural History Museum
✨Show Your Passion for Marine Biodiversity
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for marine biodiversity and conservation during the interview. Share any personal experiences or projects related to seaweeds that highlight your commitment to this field.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with GIS, R, and statistical analysis. Bring examples of how you've used these tools in previous research, as this role requires a strong data-driven approach.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Communication
Since you'll be working closely with various teams, emphasise your ability to collaborate effectively. Share examples of successful teamwork and how you communicate complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences.
✨Research the Museum's Values
Familiarise yourself with the Natural History Museum's mission and values, particularly around diversity and inclusion. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to creating an inclusive environment within the team.