At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a pioneering project studying plankton-climate interactions using AI technology.
- Company: SAMS, a supportive and inclusive marine science community in Oban.
- Benefits: Flexible working, additional leave options, discounts, and wellness support.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth and recognition.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate resilience while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in marine/environmental science or computing; experience with Django and AI.
Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Fixed Term: 2 years
Working Pattern: Full Time
Salary: £32,546 - £33,482 per annum
Closing date: Monday 12th October 2026
The Role: The candidate will be working on an SEUPB Acclimatise project, supported by PLEACEPLUS, that seeks to study plankton-climate interactions in Irish shelf sea systems. SAMS currently operates two automated plankton counters (Imaging Flowcytobots - IFCBs) for the real-time collection, enumeration and reporting of phytoplankton data. Within Acclimatise, the lead partner (AFBI) is purchasing an IFCB for either or both shore- and boat-based deployments. The postholder will be based at SAMS but will support AFBI in the commissioning and operation of their IFCB. SAMS has developed an AI-based classifier for taxonomic identification of collected phytoplankton images. The postholder will maintain and develop this classifier and existing software systems for data collection transfer and storage, as well as the web-based dashboard used for data dissemination. The postholder will also contribute to the analysis of collected data and write up project reports and scientific publications. The successful candidate will interact regularly with AFBI staff, with periodic visits to Belfast and possible occasional seagoing.
Our Ideal Candidate: We are looking for a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Researcher who will bring their skills and enthusiasm to provide high-quality outputs. A PhD related to marine/environmental science/computing is essential. Successful candidates will require the following skills and experience:
- Experience with a web framework (e.g. Django, Flask, Laravel, Next.js) - this role specifically uses Django
- Familiarity with programming languages (e.g. Python, Bash)
- Linux systems administration - comfortable deploying and managing an application, setting up data pipelines
- Hands-on machine learning/AI experience training or fine-tuning image classification models (e.g. using PyTorch or similar)
- Knowledge of phytoplankton ecology & marine instrumentation.
Employee Benefits: Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support, and an inclusive culture. We are proud to provide a variety of benefits year-round, including flexible & hybrid working options, purchase of additional annual leave, shopping discounts, Cycle 2 Work scheme, purchases of technology through salary sacrifice, Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus, access to health and wellbeing portals, a sabbatical scheme, free car parking with electronic charging points, and access to training & development courses. Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage candidates requiring reasonable adjustments to let us know. Where applicants with a disability meet the essential criteria for the job, they will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their skills at interview. SAMS’ commitment to gender equality has been recognised with an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and is currently working towards Investors in Diversity accreditation. SAMS follows Fair Work Practices and is committed to being an equal and open organisation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds who share our values and can help broaden our knowledge and ideas.
PDRA in Monitoring of Plankton using AI Technology in Oban employer: Scottish Association For Marine Science
SAMS offers an exceptional working environment in Oban, where a small, supportive community fosters collaboration and personal connections. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, SAMS provides flexible working options, extensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to contribute to meaningful research in marine science and AI technology.
Contact Details:
Scottish Association For Marine Science Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land PDRA in Monitoring of Plankton using AI Technology in Oban
✨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 Scottish Association For Marine Science, 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 Scottish Association For Marine Science. 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 PDRA in Monitoring of Plankton using AI Technology in Oban
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 Scottish Association For Marine Science. 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 Scottish Association For Marine Science. 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 Scottish Association For Marine Science
✨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 Scottish Association For Marine Science. 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 Scottish Association For Marine Science to drive research projects forward.
