This is an exciting opportunity to join a team of technicians supporting the delivery of research at the Sea Mammal Research Unit. We are seeking a flexible and motivated individual who will assist in the estimation of diet of seals.
Scotland hosts internationally significant populations of two seal species; grey and harbour seals (SCOS 2025). SMRU aerial surveys have shown that, in most areas of Scotland, the grey seal abundance is increasing or stable, whereas harbour seal abundance is in decline or depleted (compared to earlier in the 30+ year time-series). SMRU conduct various strands of research on seals to inform environmentally sustainable management of the marine ecosystem. This research is communicated through research papers and advice to UK and devolved governments (Special Committee on Seals – SCOS | SMRU).
Understanding seal diet, and spatial and temporal trends therein, is fundamental to our understanding of the potential drivers of spatio-temporal patterns in seal abundance, and more broadly to the role of seals in the ecosystem. Seal diet in the UK is generally estimated through identification of hard parts (fish otoliths and cephalopod beaks) in scats (seal faeces; see Wilson and Hammond 2019). More recently, this has been supplemented with the use of DNA metabarcoding techniques. As part of the Scottish Government Marine Mammal Scientific Support (MMSS) Research Programme, SMRU is undertaking the first Scotland wide seal diet study in 15 years.
The post holder will assist the project post-doctoral Research Fellow on fieldwork to collect seal scats (up until spring 2027), and then will lead the processing on seal scats for diet estimation.
Skills and attributes required
- Experience of practical research, ideally fieldwork and lab work
- An interest in marine ecology
- A well organised, self-motivated person with attention to detail
- A willingness to be flexible and learn new techniques
- Ability to work within a team as well as individually
- Full UK driving licence would be useful but is not essential
What can we provide?
The post holder will join a dynamic, collegiate group of researchers who are working to understand the drivers of seal population trajectories, and related questions associated with seal population and spatial ecology. As well as building knowledge of seal population ecology, the post holder will gain broader insights into marine mammal research in SMRU. They will be invited to attend seminar series in the Scottish Ocean Institute and the wider School of Biology.
The post holder will have opportunities for development of skills, knowledge and experience in ecological research, including fieldwork, lab techniques, and data manipulation in Excel and/or R. As well as the Project Principal Investigator and post-doctoral Research Fellow, there will be a support network of staff to provide all required training.
The position is fixed term until 31st March 2028
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:
- Financial contribution to relocation (subject to eligibility)
- Membership of the S&LAS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies, supporting work-life balance
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
- 30 Days Annual Leave plus 5 Public Holidays.
Further information and informal enquiries may be directed to Dr Debbie Russell, email: dr60@st-andrews.ac.uk.
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter.
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Information on other visa options is available at https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa or by contacting our HR Immigration Team on hrimmigration@st-andrews.ac.uk.
Closing Date: 18 May 2026
Please quote ref: TG1361SB
Job Description: TG1361SB FPs.pdf
School of Biology (SMRU
)Salary: £27,319 - £31,236 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term until 31 March 2028