Lecturer in Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding

The Post

The School of life and Environmental Sciences, in the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) is seeking to appoint a Lecturer to join the Institute of Aquaculture in Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding. The post is open to scientists applying cutting edge genomic and molecular research with a specific focus on quantitative genetics and selective breeding. The research focus would be centered on improving the sustainability, efficiency, and resilience of farmed aquatic species through data-driven breeding strategies to improve production performance and/or health management in established, emerging or new candidate species for aquaculture. The research portfolio could focus on the three following areas, all involving fish trials and/or disease challenges in our own facilities:

• Growth Optimization and Production Efficiency by designing breeding programs that select for fast growth, enhanced nutrient retention, and optimal feed conversion ratios.
• Climate and Environmental Resilience by modeling genotype-by-environment (G×E) interactions to ensure selective breeding lines perform robustly in diverse geographical climates or modern Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS).
• Disease Resistance and Host-Pathogen Interactions, utilizing quantitative genetics and genomicselection to identify individuals with high genetic resilience to key pathogens (such as sea lice, bacterial infections, or viral diseases).

The post holder will be expected to deliver internationally excellent publications and contribute to Impact Case Studies for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) period and contribute to developing a strong research culture. Similarly, the candidate will be expected to deliver high quality teaching and supervision to UGs, PGTs and PGRs in this area, with wider applications across the School of Life and Environmental Sciences (e.g., cell and molecular biology). We would welcome applications from those already working in aquaculture or related fields. Equally we would like to hear from candidates out with the aquaculture sector who can demonstrate how their experience can offer innovative approaches to address existing and new research questions in these rapidly growing fields. We also welcome applications from individuals keen in applying their research and teaching expertise to help tackle global food security challenges through the continuous improvement of genomic selection. The post offers an excellent opportunity to work with a range of academics committed to improving biodiversity and health of aquatic ecosystems and join a vibrant research and teaching environment.

We are seeking applicants who have an excellent research record with the potential to be future research leaders. Candidates who are active researchers in the specific areas mentioned previously.

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Professor Trevor Telfer: t.c.telfer@stir.ac.uk

Description of Duties

Grade 7

• Engage in individual and collaborative research, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, develop a programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings
• Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
• Supervise research students as required, providing direction, support and guidance
• Design and deliver a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate, postgraduate including online/digital programmes where required
• Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/University
• Participate in the administrative processes of the Division/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of students
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Grade 8

• Engage in individual and collaborative research, which aligns to the strategic plan of the University, establish a distinctive programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings
• Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
• Disseminate research outputs creatively including regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings and leading international conferences
• Supervise research students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidance
• Design, teach and assess a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including online/digital programmes where required
• Contribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports a research-led approach to student learning
• Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g. delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/University
• Participate in the administrative processes of the Division/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of students
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Grade 7

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline or close to successful completion

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Experience in quantitative genetic techniques and research
• Familiarity with, or experience of, using cell biology techniques
• Evidence of a developing publication record
• Credible plans for the active pursuit of external research funding
• Experience or knowledge to design, teach and assess modules in the subject area
• Evidence of the ability to deliver excellent teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level

Grade 8

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• A good track record of high-quality published research with demonstrable proficiency in one or more of the following areas of quatitative genetics; Growth Optimization and Production Efficiency, Climate and Environmental Resilience, Disease Resistance and Host-Pathogen Interactions
• Familiarity with, or experience of, using cell biology techniques
• A record of involvement in applications for external funding for research and/or knowledge transfer
• Credible plans for the active pursuit of external research funding and the development of impact case studies
• Experience of supervising undergraduate or taught postgraduate dissertation projects
• Experience of providing high quality teaching across a range of programmes at
  undergraduate and postgraduate level preferably including online/digital programmes

Desirable Criteria

Grade 7

Qualifications

• Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding or working towards Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
• Be familiar or have experience of working with salmonids
• Experience of supervising dissertations and research projects
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as key contributions to high quality student learning
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
• Evidence of teaching topics relevant to cell biology at undergraduate level

Grade 8

Qualifications

• Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and be working towards Fellowship

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of collaborative research with other institutions and the aquaculture industry
• Evidence of training in HO regulation relevant to ASPA
• Be familiar or have experience of working with salmonid trials or challenges in tank-based systems
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning
• Evidence of programme innovation and development
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence or knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
• Evidence of teaching topics relevant to cell biology at undergraduate level

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

Grade 7: £39,560 - £46,970 p.a. OR
Grade 8: £48,337 - £57,666 p.a.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 13 December 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Thursday 07 January 2027.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2311.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skills
   Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent service
   Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutions
   Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing change
   Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectively
   Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider context
   Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and others
   Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working together
   Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving Results
   Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University-led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk @stiruni