We are looking for a statistical consultant to support both the Centre for Research into Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) and SMRU Consulting (SMRUC).  The two groups have a history of successfully collaborating on applied projects that require statistical expertise, particularly in relation to the activities of industry and potential impact on marine fauna (e.g. marine mammals and seabirds).  We require additional personnel to support this collaboration and allow us to be more agile in our responses to funding opportunities with short deadlines, which are quite common in calls from NGOs, industry, and some government agencies.  In particular we would like to be more responsive to the increasing number of opportunities to engage with marine renewable energy initiatives.  The post holder will be expected to generate funding income, in collaboration with CREEM and SMRUC staff, by responding to proposal calls and tenders, particularly those released by government and industry. This is a two year fixed-term post with potential for continuation beyond that period dependent on the post-holders ability to generate funding income over the initial two years.   

Possible areas of statistical application that we anticipate being important include assessment of impact, design of survey and monitoring schemes and density and abundance estimation.   

We welcome applications from candidates with a PhD in Statistics or a closely-related discipline, or with a Masters level qualification and PhD-equivalent experience in industry or academia, ideally in a consultancy role.  Experience with working with industry and government funders would be highly advantageous, but is not a requirement.  The post will involve collaboration between ecologists and statisticians, and so the ability to communicate effectively between disciplines is essential.  This post would suit someone who enjoys using their statistical expertise to solve real-world problems, particularly relating to ecological or environmental issues.  

The successful candidate will be based in the world-leading Centre for Ecological and Environmental Modelling (CREEM) under the supervision of Dr. Catriona Harris and Dr Jason Wood (and Cormac Booth) from SMRUC.   

For informal enquiries, we encourage those considering applying to contact Dr. Catriona Harris (catriona.harris@st-andrews.ac.uk) and/or Dr Jason Wood (jw@smruconsulting.com).  

Applications are particularly welcome from women, people from the Black, Asian, Minority or Ethnic (BAME) community and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in Academic posts at the University.  

The University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through our working on diversity awards (ECU Athena SWAN/Race Charters; Carer Positive; LGBT Charter; and Stonewall).  More details can be found at http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.  

Closing Date: 5 January 2021     

Please quote ref: AR2369RNB

Further Particulars: AR2369RNB FPs.doc  


School of Mathematics and Statistics
Salary: £33,797 - £40,322 per annum
Start Date: March 2021
Fixed Term: 2 Years