Applications are invited for a three-year postdoctoral research fellow to work within the Thwaites-Amundsen Regional Survey and Network (TARSAN). This project is part of the International Thwaites Glacier Collaboration (ITGC) funded jointly by the UK Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) to investigate the impact of the Thwaites Glacier on sea level rise. Within TARSAN we will measure ocean circulation in front of the glacier using state-of-the-art technology such as animal-borne instruments to investigate how the ocean and atmosphere are affecting the glacier.

This post presents an opportunity for an ecologist, marine biologist or oceanographer to work alongside an interdisciplinary team from the University of Alaska, University of Colorado, Temple University, University of Gothenburg, University of East Anglia and the Sea Mammal Research Unit at the University of St Andrews. The research fellow will be one of two working on this project responsible for the deployment of Conductivity-Temperature-Depth Satellite Relay Data Loggers (CTD-SRDLs) on Weddell and Southern Elephant seals in the Amundsen Sea, Antarctica involving potentially three ship-based field seasons in early 2019, 2020 and 2021 of 2 months each. The post also involves curating, analysing and publishing the collected behavioural and oceanographic data in appropriate formats and for dissemination to the project members and the wider communities.

Applicants should hold a PhD in ecology, oceanography or marine mammal science with a strong track record in analysing behavioural and marine environmental data. Experience of fieldwork in challenging, remote environments and/or ship-based expeditions, tagging pinnipeds and experience of working in interdisciplinary contexts would be an advantage.

The post will commence as soon as possible for 36 months.

For further information, please contact Dr Lars Boehme (lb284@st-andrews.ac.uk).

The School of Biology values equality and diversity across its workforce and offers a family friendly environment in which flexible working is encouraged, as evidenced in May 2018 when the School attained the Athena SWAN Silver award for gender equality. The School particularly welcomes applications from suitably qualified women. 

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/.