Lecturer in Aquatic Animal Genetics and Breeding in Stirling

The PostThe 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 (GE) 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.ukDescription of DutiesGrade 7Engage 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 proceedingsIdentify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awardedSupervise research students as required, providing direction, support and guidanceDesign and deliver a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate, postgraduate including online/digital programmes where requiredParticipate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of studentsParticipate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/UniversityParticipate in the administrative processes of the Division/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of studentsAny other duties, commensurate with the grade of the postGrade 8Engage 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 proceedingsIdentify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awardedDisseminate research outputs creatively including regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings and leading international conferencesSupervise research students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidanceDesign, teach and assess a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including online/digital programmes where requiredContribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports a research-led approach to student learningParticipate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g. delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of studentsParticipate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the Division/Faculty/UniversityParticipate in the administrative processes of the Division/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of studentsAny other duties, commensurate with the grade of the postEssential CriteriaGrade 7QualificationsPhD in relevant discipline or close to successful completion Knowledge, Skills & ExperienceExperience in quantitative genetic techniques and researchFamiliarity with, or experience of, using cell biology techniquesEvidence of a developing publication recordCredible plans for the active pursuit of external research fundingExperience or knowledge to design, teach and assess modules in the subject areaEvidence of the ability to deliver excellent teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levelGrade 8QualificationsPhD in relevant disciplineKnowledge, Skills & ExperienceA 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 InteractionsFamiliarity with, or experience of, using cell biology techniquesA record of involvement in applications for external funding for research and/or knowledge transferCredible plans for the active pursuit of external research funding and the development of impact case studiesExperience of supervising undergraduate or taught postgraduate dissertation projectsExperience of providing high quality teaching across a range of programmes atundergraduate and postgraduate level preferably including online/digital programmesDesirable CriteriaGrade 7Qualifications Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding or working towards Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (HEA)Knowledge, Skills & ExperienceEvidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projectsBe familiar or have experience of working with salmonidsExperience of supervising dissertations and research projectsDemonstrate a broad understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as key contributions to high quality student learningEvidence or knowledge to support international activitiesEvidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory frameworkEvidence of teaching topics relevant to cell biology at undergraduate levelGrade 8QualificationsHigher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and be working towards FellowshipKnowledge, Skills & ExperienceEvidence of collaborative research with other institutions and the aquaculture industryEvidence of training in HO regulation relevant to ASPABe familiar or have experience of working with salmonid trials or challenges in tank-based systemsDemonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learningEvidence of programme innovation and developmentEvidence or knowledge to support international activitiesEvidence or knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory frameworkEvidence of teaching topics relevant to cell biology at undergraduate levelAdditional InformationFull timeOpen endedGrade 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 CompetenciesThe 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.Managing self and personal skillsBeing aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.Finding solutionsTaking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.Developing self and othersShowing 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.Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.The UniversityThe 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. @stiruni