About the role
The School of Biological and Marine Sciences at the University of Plymouth ) is seeking to appoint a new Lecturer in Marine Biology & Scientific Diving You will have expertise and experience of scientific diving within the field of marine biology and be a highly motivated and dynamic academic who seeks the opportunity to build a career in a University with an international reputation in marine science. We are particularly interested in applicants with expertise in tropical ecology and/or benthic community ecology or spatial ecology. You will be expected to develop a successful research portfolio within our highly successful Marine Conservation Research Group ). This is an exciting chance to be part of a progressive and cutting-edge University in a beautiful location, where you can really make a difference.
Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences is primed to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems. Students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact on the sustainability of our environment and society. With many amazing ecosystems right on our doorstep in the UK's first National Marine Park, Plymouth boasts one of the highest concentrations of world-leading marine scientists in Europe and benefits from world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station, a fleet of research vessels and the Scientific Diving Unit.
Our programmes focus on career training, inspiring change for a more sustainable future across the themses of Biological Science, Marine Science, Conservation and Marine Biology. Students are taught by experts in their fields, with teaching informed by world-leading research for which the University has been awarded two Queen's Anniversary Prizes for Environment and Conservation, and is ranked 6th in UK impact ranking for the UN's Sustainable Development Goal, Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.
The appointment will complement and build on our existing research and teaching strengths across a diverse range of marine biology and conservation topics including; scientific diving, ecosystem monitoring, ecophysiology, community ecology, policy and management, and tropical ecology and conservation.
The teaching associated with this role is closely aligned to our new MRes Scientific Diving programme and you will also contribute to teaching across our Marine Biology & Marine Conservation programme areas and contribute to overseas diving field courses.
In addition to scientific diving, applicants should have good quantitative skills and be research active in any of the following areas;
* Tropical ecology and conservation
* Benthic community ecology
* Spatial management and MPAs
* Fish behaviour and ecology
* Ecophysiology
You will have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, supported by experience at postdoctoral or equivalent level, and a proven research track record demonstrated through high calibre outputs of a quality likely to contribute to our future UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission. All activities that you undertake within this role need to be in compliance with the University's Safety Policy and undertaken in a way that demonstrates the University's commitment to Equality and Diversity for staff, students and partners.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. An HSE SCUBA, or equivalent qualification would be advantageous. Interviews will take place week in late October/ early November 2025.
The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For more information on School of Biological and Marine Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at
For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.
For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Keiron Fraser: by email at
For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description.
About us
The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education.
The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you'll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today's global challenges.
Application Process
Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.
Anticipated Interview Date: Friday 31 October 2025
Our Offer
When joining us, you will receive:
* Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
* Generous pension scheme
* Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Development opportunities
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible working
* Retailer discounts
* On-site nursery
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here.
A relocation package may be available to the successful candidate, conditions apply.
Additional Information
The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community where everyone is welcomed regardless of their background. To find out more about our inclusive community initiatives, such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter, please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages.