Salary - £31,942 - £33,898 Depending on experience
Hybrid working (50/50)
Location: Edinburgh
Closing date: 16th January 2026
We are looking for an enthusiastic Avian 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 ().
The Isle of May study is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind and involves intensive monitoring of many aspects 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 like you, progressing your career and giving you the support you need to thrive at UKCEH.
Your main responsibilities will include the following:
• Collect data on seabirds of sufficient quality to contribute to UKCEH’s long-term monitoring programme
• Operate and deploy animal-borne data loggers
• Quantify seabird diet including fish identification from field and laboratory analyses
• Archive biological samples
• Ensure good management of databases on seabird survival, breeding success, diet, foraging behaviour, winter migration and physiology
• Interrogate databases and deliver outputs to address a range of scientific questions
• Produce tables, figures, maps and text suitable for technical documents and peer reviewed publications, taking a lead role where appropriate
• Explore and implement new methods and tools for the collection, processing, interpretation and dissemination of data
• Communicate science to peers and other stakeholders using appropriate fora (e.g. social media, blogs, posters, oral presentations, reports, refereed publications)
For the role of Avian Ecologist, we are looking for somebody who has the following:
• BSc or equivalent in a biological subject
• Experience of undertaking fieldwork on seabirds or other vertebrates
• 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 a proven ability to deliver to tight deadlines
• Scientific numeracy 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 (manual transmission)
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 for your science and demonstrate an understanding of their needs to inform new 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, GLS and other logger data sets
• Experience of using software
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.
As a valued member of our team, you’ll get:
1. 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after five years, plus 3 days for our Christmas closure
2. 10% employer pension contribution
3. Enhanced maternity and paternity leave (subject to qualifying requirements)
4. 24/7 access to support for physical, mental, social, health, or financial wellbeing, plus trained Welfare Officers
5. Flexible working opportunities
And much more…
You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute and a vibrant seabird research team of 10 individuals, committed to recruiting talented people like you, supporting your career progression, and giving you the environment and resources you need to thrive at UKCEH.
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 pursuing 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.