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- Tasks: Join our team to study seabird populations and contribute to vital ecological research.
- Company: Leading independent research institute dedicated to environmental science.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension contributions, flexible working, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on seabird conservation while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: B.Sc in biology and fieldwork experience with seabirds or vertebrates required.
- Other info: Exciting opportunities for career growth and professional development in a dynamic team.
The predicted salary is between 31942 - 33898 £ per year.
Salary - £31,942 - £33,898 depending on experience. Hybrid working (50/50). Location: Edinburgh. Closing date: 16th January 2026.
Role overview
We are looking for an enthusiastic Aviation Ecologist to join our team in Edinburgh. Your role will help make a significant contribution to the long-term study of seabird populations on the Isle of May (IMLOTS). The Isle of May study is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind, involving intensive monitoring of the ecology of six species of seabird. You will also have the chance to be involved in a range of other projects on seabird ecology. We will train you in seabird data collection and laboratory skills in seabird diet, including identification of fish species and age classes.
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute that is committed to recruiting talented people, progressing your career and giving you support to thrive at UKCEH.
Responsibilities
- Collect data on seabirds of sufficient quality to contribute to CEH’s long-term monitoring program
- Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers
- Quantify seabird diet including fish identification from field and laboratory analyses
- Archive biological samples and data
- Ensure good management of relational databases on seabird survival, breeding success, diet, foraging behaviour, winter migration and physiology
- Interrogate databases and analyse deliver outputs to address a range of scientific questions
- Analyse data on foraging behaviour and distribution obtained from animal-borne data loggers
- Produce tables, figures, maps and text suitable for reports, technical documents and peer-reviewed publications, taking a lead role where appropriate
- Explore and implement new methods, tools and facilities for the collection, processing, interpretation and dissemination of data
- Communicate science to peers and other stakeholders using appropriate techniques (posters, oral presentations, blogs, reports, refereed publications, workshops, popular science articles)
Qualifications
- B.Sc or equivalent in a biological subject
- Experience of undertaking fieldwork on seabirds or other vertebrates in small teams
- Proven ability to conduct fieldwork in a remote environment in small teams for extended periods
- Good organisational skills, self-motivated and capable of working without significant supervision, including proven ability to deliver to tight deadlines
- Scientifically numerate and with good mathematical skills
- Excellent working knowledge of Office software including attention to detail when handling large data sets (Excel, Access)
- Strong communication skills in a variety of media (written and spoken)
- Driving licence (gear shift)
Additional Knowledge / Experience
- Demonstrate a commitment to your own professional development with clear views on how you might develop your career, including writing and presenting skills
- Demonstrate that you understand the wider context of your science and its potential impacts at the national level
- Able to discuss issues with UKCEH staff at all levels
- Able to identify key stakeholders/funders for your science and demonstrate an understanding of their needs to start developing key partnerships
Desirable Skills
- Ability to handle and ring seabirds, including BTO ringing permit
- Ability to operate and deploy miniaturised data loggers on seabirds
- Advanced laboratory skills in seabird diet, including identification of fish species and age classes
- Ability to process and analyse GPS and other logger data sets
- Ability to use R
Benefits
- 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
- 10% employer pension contribution
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
- 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers
- Flexible working opportunities
Working at UKCEH is rewarding. Our science makes a real difference, enabling people and the environment to prosper, and enriching society. We are the custodians of a wealth of environmental data, collected by UKCEH and its predecessors over the course of more than 60 years.
Please note: Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
If we’ve just described you, we’d love to meet. Apply now.
Avian Ecologist employer: UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY
Contact Detail:
UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Avian Ecologist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research UKCEH and their projects, especially the Isle of May study. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. Building relationships can give us insights into the role and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to seabird ecology and data analysis. We want to showcase your skills and passion, so be ready to discuss your fieldwork experiences!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at UKCEH.
We think you need these skills to ace Avian Ecologist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Avian Ecologist role. Highlight your relevant experience with seabirds and any fieldwork you've done. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share your passion for seabird ecology and explain why you want to join our team at UKCEH. Let us know how you can contribute to our long-term monitoring programme.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical skills, especially in data analysis and laboratory work. We love candidates who are scientifically numerate and can handle large datasets, so make that clear in your application!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK CENTER FOR ECOLOGY & HYDROLOGY
✨Know Your Seabirds
Brush up on your knowledge of seabird species, especially those relevant to the Isle of May study. Be prepared to discuss their ecology, behaviour, and any recent research findings. This will show your enthusiasm and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Fieldwork Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your fieldwork with seabirds or other vertebrates. Highlight your ability to work in remote environments and how you’ve successfully collaborated in small teams. This will demonstrate your practical skills and teamwork.
✨Data Skills are Key
Familiarise yourself with data management and analysis tools, particularly Excel and R. Prepare to discuss how you've handled large datasets in the past and any experience you have with animal-borne data loggers. This will illustrate your technical proficiency.
✨Communicate Effectively
Practice explaining complex scientific concepts in simple terms. You might be asked to present your ideas or findings during the interview, so being able to communicate clearly and engagingly is crucial. Think about how you can make your science relatable to different audiences.
