At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate on innovative research to advance marine mammal behavioural studies and population models.
- Company: University of St Andrews, a supportive and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Generous salary, relocation support, hybrid working, and extensive leave.
- Other info: Join a community that values equality, diversity, and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ecological research while thriving in a diverse environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in Statistics or related field with a passion for real-world problem-solving.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Applications are sought for a committed Post-doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Enrico Pirotta, Professor Len Thomas and Dr Catriona Harris conducting research for a US Office of Naval Research funded project entitled “Advancing the integration of data from behavioural response studies to inform models of the population consequences of disturbance”. The primary duties will be to collaborate with researchers developing new models and analytical methods for advancing the analysis of the data generated from marine mammal behavioural response studies (BRS) to guide their effective integration into population consequences of disturbance (PCoD) models to allow better understanding of potential long-term population-level effects of exposure to US Navy sonar.
The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Statistics or closely-related discipline with a demonstrable interest in developing and using statistical methods to solve real-world ecological or environmental problems. The post is available for 30 months starting as soon as possible.
St Andrews offers more than just a place to work—it is a place to belong. We value collegiality, inclusion, and wellbeing, and we are committed to creating a workplace where staff can thrive and perform at their best. In addition to the salary on offer for this position, there are a wide range of benefits for staff working at the University of St Andrews. The package for the Post-doctoral Research Fellow includes:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies supporting work life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 34 days annual leave plus 5 public holidays
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing Date: 8 July 2026
Interview Date: to be confirmed (around 19-21 August 2026)
School/Unit: School of Mathematics and Statistics
Post-doctoral Research Fellow employer: University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises collegiality and employee wellbeing. As a Post-doctoral Research Fellow, you will benefit from generous relocation support, a hybrid working environment, and extensive professional development opportunities, all while contributing to impactful research on marine mammal conservation. With a commitment to equality and diversity, St Andrews fosters a supportive atmosphere where every staff member can thrive and make meaningful contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Post-doctoral Research Fellow
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with folks in your field! Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help land that dream job.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Don’t just sit back and wait for the interview; showcase your skills online! Share your research, write articles, or even create a blog. We want to see your passion and expertise shine through before we even meet you.
✨Prepare for the Interview
Do your homework on the team and the project! Understand the key challenges they face and think about how your skills can help. We love candidates who come prepared with thoughtful questions and insights.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Make sure to apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive opportunities listed there that you won’t want to miss!
We think you need these skills to ace Post-doctoral Research Fellow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Post-doctoral Research Fellow position. Highlight your relevant experience in statistics and any projects that align with marine mammal behavioural studies. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for ecological and environmental problems shine through in your application. Share specific examples of how you've used statistical methods to tackle real-world issues. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about their work!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless necessary. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly. Plus, it helps us keep track of your application easily. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of St Andrews
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the project you'll be working on. Familiarise yourself with the integration of data from behavioural response studies and how they relate to population consequences of disturbance models. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Statistical Skills
Prepare to discuss your PhD work and any relevant statistical methods you've developed or used. Be ready to explain how these can be applied to real-world ecological problems, particularly in marine mammal studies. Concrete examples will help demonstrate your expertise.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since this role involves working closely with other researchers, highlight your teamwork skills. Share experiences where you successfully collaborated on projects, especially in a research setting. This will align with the collegiality and inclusion values of the University.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project, the team dynamics, and the university's commitment to diversity and inclusion. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
