Post-Doctoral Research Associate - Marine Ecology
Location: Bailrigg, Lancaster, UK
Salary: £33,002 to £37,694 (Full-Time/Indefinite with End Date)
Closing Date: Friday 22 May 2026
Interview Date: Friday 05 June 2026
Reference: 0363-26
Job Overview
An exciting opportunity exists for a coral reef scientist or marine community ecologist to contribute to a Horizon Europe funded project: The role of connectivity in safeguarding functioning coastal ecosystems under global change.
We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic marine scientist to contribute to a project investigating the links between mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs in the context of seabird nutrient inputs. This is a multi‑institutional project, led by University of Bremen. Lancaster University is leading the ecology component focused on the Seychelles, with a particular focus on Aldabra Atoll and the inner islands marine parks. Fieldwork for the project will include long periods in remote locations, working in small teams, and experience of such working will be essential. The project will identify key sites where mangrove to coral reef connectivity can be mapped and investigated, assess species and nutrient connectivity across the seascape, and investigate outcomes for both ecosystem functioning and food security. Patterns of seabird densities in mangrove stands will be used as a study design to investigate the influence of seabird derived nutrient inputs on seascape connectivity. Co‑mentoring of a PhD student on the same project will be part of the role. Applicants are encouraged to think through their own ideas about these linkages and how their area of expertise could be applied to this study design. You will work closely with Prof Nick Graham and Dr James Robinson on this project, and collaborate with partners at Seychelles Islands Foundation and Seychelles Parks and Gardens Authority, and with other universities in the consortium.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct fieldwork in remote marine and terrestrial sites, including mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs.
* Identify and map key sites of mangrove‑to‑coral reef connectivity.
* Assess species and nutrient connectivity across the seascape.
* Investigate outcomes for ecosystem functioning and food security.
* Use patterns of seabird densities in mangrove stands as a study design.
* Co‑mentor a PhD student within the project.
Candidate Profile
* PhD in marine science or a closely related field.
* Extensive experience of fieldwork in remote settings.
* Strong skills in statistical modelling and scientific writing.
* Proactive, enthusiastic and able to work effectively in small multidisciplinary teams.
* Good interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate across institutions.
About Lancaster University and the Lancaster Environment Centre
Lancaster University is a research‑intensive institution, ranked in the top 15 of UK universities. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large multidisciplinary department focusing on environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences, with particular strengths in tropical systems including coral reefs and tropical rainforests. LEC offers a collegial environment based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion considerations and actions. Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Equal Opportunities
We warmly welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and are committed to promoting diversity, equality of opportunity and good employment practice.
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