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- Tasks: Monitor seabird populations and collect vital data on guillemots in a stunning island setting.
- Company: Join the University of Sheffield's renowned Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 38 days annual leave, flexible working, and discounts on shopping and travel.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while gaining hands-on research experience.
- Qualifications: BSc or MSc in a biological discipline and field ornithology experience required.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal development and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant for a project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster in the School of Biosciences. Our group is interested in the dynamics of seabird populations and the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The project will involve intensive monitoring of the survival and productivity of common guillemots on Skomer Island, Wales, during their breeding season. The project is funded by charitable donations and led by Professors Ben Hatchwell and Tim Birkhead.
Duties will include:
- Intensive observations of a colony of guillemots to identify colour-ringed birds.
- Regular and systematic searches of other locations around the island for colour-ringed birds.
- Monitoring of productivity of a sample of pairs at the main study colony.
- Day-to-day organization of fieldwork tasks to fulfil these duties.
- Maintaining frequent contact with the PIs to ensure efficient and rigorous collection of field data.
Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline. Previous experience in field ornithology, experience of rigorous collection and handling of numerical data, the ability to work well in groups and independently, and knowledge, understanding and experience of safe fieldwork practice are essential.
Main Duties And Responsibilities:
- Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out systematic monitoring activities.
- Re-sighting and recording of colour ringed birds at the main study colony and at other colonies on the island to enable an estimate of adult survival.
- Record timing of breeding and breeding success in a sample of breeding pairs at the main study colony.
- Count the number of adult guillemots at the main study colony on three equally spaced days during a specified census period.
- Record attendance at colonies following a systematic protocol.
- Record chick diet: fish species and size.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post.
Person Specification:
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with this role’s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria:
- BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline.
- Experience in field ornithology: observation of wild birds and ability to read and record accurately colour ring details.
- Experience of recording, managing and handling data to ensure rigorous entry into a database.
- Knowledge, understanding and willingness to follow guidelines in safe fieldwork practice.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, developing relationships and working successfully with other researchers.
- Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines.
- Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances.
- Enthusiasm for biological research in a remote island setting.
- Prior experience of living in remote locations in a small community.
- Experience of working in rough terrain.
Further Information:
- Grade: 6
- Work arrangement: Full-time (35 hours per week)
- Duration: Fixed term from 8 April 2026 to 8 August 2026
- Line manager: Principal Investigator (Ben Hatchwell, Professor of Evolutionary Ecology)
- Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ben Hatchwell at b.hatchwell@sheffield.ac.uk.
Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk if you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments.
Closing Date: 18/02/2026
Research Assistant in Seabird Monitoring in Sheffield employer: The University of Sheffield
Contact Detail:
The University of Sheffield Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Seabird Monitoring in Sheffield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the professors and their work. This shows you're genuinely interested and helps you connect during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a mate or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll come across.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your previous work or experiences related to field ornithology. It’s a great way to demonstrate your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, shoot a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the position.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Seabird Monitoring in Sheffield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Seabirds: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for seabird research shine through! Share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your love for ornithology and the natural world.
Be Specific About Your Skills: Make sure to reference the specific skills mentioned in the job description. If you've got experience with data collection or fieldwork, give us the details! We want to see how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application. Tailor your statement to reflect how your background aligns with the role. Mention the key responsibilities and how your past experiences prepare you for them.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our community!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Sheffield
✨Know Your Birds
Brush up on your knowledge of seabirds, especially guillemots. Familiarise yourself with their behaviours, breeding patterns, and how to identify colour-ringed birds. This will not only impress the interviewers but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Data Handling Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with data collection and management. Bring examples of how you've accurately recorded and handled data in previous roles. Highlight any specific software or methods you’ve used to ensure rigorous data entry.
✨Fieldwork Experience
Share your past fieldwork experiences, especially in challenging environments. Talk about how you’ve adapted to unpredictable situations and maintained safety protocols. This will demonstrate your readiness for the intensive monitoring tasks required in this role.
✨Communication is Key
Effective communication is crucial in this position. Be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully collaborated with others in research settings. Mention any report writing or presentations you've done, as this shows your ability to convey important information clearly.
