Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead scientific advice on marine mammals and influence policy for sustainable marine renewables.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, dedicated to improving lives through impactful policies.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, supportive environment, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Shape the future of marine conservation while collaborating with experts in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience in marine mammal ecology required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in exciting research projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Do you want to play an important role in the management of the marine environment and the sustainable delivery of marine renewables?
The Marine Renewables and Ecology Team (MRE) in the Marine Directorate provides specialist scientific advice to regulators and policy makers. The MRE team currently has around 25 staff who provide advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine energy on key receptors including birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish.
This role provides scientific advice on Scottish Government policies around marine mammals, including advising on the regulation of marine activities, and on the development of policy on marine mammals. As the Senior Marine Mammal Scientist, you will also help to build the evidence base relied upon by decision makers through data collection, analysis, development of projects, and critically, by effectively communicating outputs to regulators and policy makers.
Responsibilities
- Lead areas of the provision of scientific advice and guidance to regulators and policy makers on marine mammals, informed by the best available evidence. This will principally be in relation to marine renewables but may also relate to other marine construction activities, marine conservation and other policy areas.
- Represent MD-SEDD at external meetings, maintaining and further developing constructive collaborative relationships with key external stakeholders including statutory nature conservation bodies, industry, academia, and data asset managers.
- Work within and manage the team to identify and pursue opportunities for delivering applied research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses priority knowledge gaps that are key constraints to advice provision. This may involve PhD project supervision.
- Management and oversight of the marine mammal elements of our in-house acoustics projects, particularly on the development and delivery of scientific outputs.
- The position will include delivery management, and may also include people management.
Qualifications
A PhD in a relevant subject or demonstrate equivalent relevant work experience.
Experience
- A comprehensive understanding of marine mammal ecology and the regulation, legislation and research that relates to marine mammals in Scottish and/or UK waters.
- A sound understanding of applying approaches, tools and assessment methods used to evaluate impacts of marine industry activities on marine mammals.
- Experience of developing and completing research projects to answer key questions relating to marine mammals, including data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Behaviours
- Making effective decisions – Level 3
How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
Assessments are scheduled for w/c 13 October 2025 however this may be subject to change.
About us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.
Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.
We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.
Working pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).
You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.
Equality statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
Further information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Apply before 23:59 on 25 September 2025. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Marine Mammal Scientist employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Marine Mammal Scientist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals in the marine mammal field through LinkedIn or industry events. Building connections can lead to insider info about job openings and even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in marine mammal ecology and policy. Show that you’re not just knowledgeable but also passionate about the field. We want to see your enthusiasm!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! If you're asked to present during an interview, make sure you can clearly communicate your ideas and findings. We love candidates who can convey complex information simply.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to marine conservation.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Marine Mammal Scientist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the role of Senior Marine Mammal Scientist. We want to see how you can contribute to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your CV and supporting statement clear and concise. Stick to the word limit and make every word count. We appreciate straightforward communication, so get to the point while showcasing your expertise.
Showcase Your Passion: Let your passion for marine mammals and environmental conservation shine through in your application. Share specific examples of your work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to the field. We love seeing enthusiasm!
Check for Accuracy: Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any typos or inaccuracies. Remember, honesty is key, especially when discussing your experiences. We want to hear your true story, so keep it real!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Marine Mammals
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of marine mammal ecology, especially in relation to Scottish waters. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how marine activities impact these species and demonstrate your understanding of relevant legislation and regulations.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Be ready to talk about your past research projects, particularly those involving data collection and analysis related to marine mammals. Highlight any innovative approaches you've used and how they contributed to the evidence base for decision-making.
✨Communicate Effectively
Since this role involves advising regulators and policy makers, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a clear and concise manner. Think about how you can convey your findings to non-experts and prepare to give examples of successful communication in your previous roles.
✨Collaborative Mindset
This position requires building relationships with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your experience working collaboratively with external partners, such as conservation bodies or academia, and how you’ve navigated challenges in those partnerships.
