Research Assistant – TRANSECTS Research Project
Grade: Grade 6
Salary Range: £31,236 - £35,608.
Location: Edinburgh Campus (hybrid working available)
Contract Type: Fixed-term (to end March 2028)
Hours: Full-time (equivalent 5 days per week)
Reports to: Lauren McWhinnie, WP2 Leader, TRANSECTS Project
Purpose of Role
To facilitate and enhance the research processes by providing technical, analytical and administrative support on the TRANSECTS research project (www.transects.org.uk). 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:
o Map and quantify spatial patterns in ecosystem services relating to stocks for marine energy transitions
o Conduct spatio-temporal analysis to quantify changes over time
o 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 Master’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.
How to Apply
Please apply via the Heriot‑Watt online recruitment system:
1. Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post;
2. Full CV.
For informal queries, please contact Lauren McWhinnie, L.McWhinnie(at)hw.ac.uk.
Applications can be submitted up to midnight (UK time) on Friday, 27th February 2026.
Equal Opportunities
Heriot‑Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.
Heriot‑Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award‑winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/.
Use our total rewards calculator https://www.hw.ac.uk/about/work/total-rewards-calculator.htm to see the value of benefits provided by Heriot‑Watt University.
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