Purpose of Role
To facilitate and enhance the research processes by providing technical, analytical and administrative support on the TRANSECTS research project ). The role will also serve to provide valuable learning opportunities for developing both research and professional skills.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Coordination of Data Collection and Management
Collate spatial datasets and maintain the TRANSECTS database
Ensure data quality, consistency and proper metadata documentation
Manage geospatial datasets and version control systems (e.g. ArcGIS Online, Git, or QGIS project files).
Spatial Analysis and Modelling
Use GIS software (e.g. ArcGIS, QGIS) and/or spatial analysis tools in R or Python to:
Map and quantify spatial patterns in ecosystem services relating to stocks for marine energy transitions
Conduct spatio-temporal analysis to quantify changes over time
Identify hotspots and quantify spatial overlaps in collated datasets to explore areas with potential for greater or lesser resilience during marine energy transitions
Evidence Review and Synthesis
Support the team in undertaking an extensive literature review to identify natural capital and ecosystem services associated with METs over different periods of time
Visualisations and Communication
Develop high-quality maps, figures and infographics to visualise spatial trends and relationships for publications and engagement materials, including Energy Transition Atlas and coastal community exhibits
Assist in writing reports, policy briefs and academic manuscripts
Contribute to presentations for stakeholder workshops, conferences and project meetings
Collaboration and Project Support
Work closely with interdisciplinary team members (including geographers, environmental, social and computer scientists, lawyers, historians and anthropologists).
Participate in team meetings to discuss findings, refine methods, and coordinate tasks
Maintain organised documentation of methods, datasets and analysis scripts for reproducibility
Work closely with TRANSECTS postdocs to support the delivery of interdisciplinary outputs
Education, Qualifications, and Experience
Essential criteria
Honours degree or equivalent in a relevant discipline e.g. environmental science, marine biology, geography
Proficiency in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) software (ArcGIS, QGIS), for spatial data management, analysis and mapping
Experience handling large datasets – including data cleaning, projection management and metadata documentation
Quantitative data analysis skills, ideally using software such as R or Python
Experience conducting reviews, collating data/evidence and synthesising scientific information
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including ability to contribute to reports or research outputs
Attention to detail and ability to manage and organise multiple datasets or project tasks effectively
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary research environment
Desirable criteria
A Masters's degree in a relevant field (e.g. Marine or Environmental Sciences related)
Experience with spatial-temporal analysis or time series data relevant to environmental change
Familiarity with marine or coastal datasets, such as habitat maps, oceanographic or geophysical data, or data relating to marine activities
Experience with spatial statistics or spatial analysis that support decision making
Skills in data visualisation and creating clear publication quality maps or graphics
Experience working in interdisciplinary or applied research groups/projects linking environmental variables to policy making
Knowledge relating to marine energy transitions and governance of marine and coastal spaces
Experience preparing or contributing to academic publications and reports
Additional Information
The role is based at Heriot-Watt University's Edinburgh campus, with flexibility for hybrid working.
The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the WP Leader and other researchers from across the project team and interact with project partners and wider community stakeholders
For informal queries, please contact Lauren McWhinnie,
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday, 27th February 2026.