We are seeking to appoint a post-graduate research assistant for a period of 8 months. The successful candidate will be based at the Sea Mammal Research Unit within the School of Biology.
The project is funded by the Scottish Government as part of a Marine Mammal Scientific Support grant to SMRU to investigate the decline of harbour seal numbers in areas of Scotland. One of the project’s objectives is to gain a better understanding of harbour seal population dynamics in different areas. The project, led by Prof Ailsa Hall at SMRU, aims to address this data gap by collecting sighting and pupping history data of harbour seals at different study sites using photo-identification methods. Mark-recapture models will then be fitted to these data in order to estimate birth and survival rates.
The appointed research assistant will play a key role in the project and will be responsible for processing part of the photo-identification data collected at the study sites (Isle of Skye, Kintyre Peninsula, Orkney) in 2019, and contribute to generating the associated databases and photo-ID catalogues. The matching of photographs of seals to catalogues of known individual seals will be done using both a pattern recognition software as well as manual matching. The appointed research assistant will also be responsible for collecting photo-identification of seals in Kintyre for a period of three weeks at the start of June. During the first week of that fieldwork, the appointed research assistant will be trained on how to collect photo-identification data of seals using a digiscope system. The training will be done by another member of staff within the project. Accommodation, subsistence and car rental expenses for the 3 week fieldwork in Kintyre will be covered by the project.
Candidates with a biological science background that work in an organized and methodical way are encouraged to apply. Previous experience working with photo-identification data would be advantageous, particularly experience processing seal photo-identification data. The appointed research assistant will be required to be in possession of a full UK/EU driving license in order to drive to and from the field study sites.
Potential applicants are welcome to make informal enquiries to Dr Mònica Arso Civil, email mac64@st-andrews.ac.uk, http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffProfile.aspx?sunid=mac64
The University of St Andrews School of Biology is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender Equality Charter and being awarded the Athena SWAN Silver award in 2018 for recognising advancement of gender equality representation, progression and success for all.
The School particularly welcomes applications from suitably qualified females. The School values equality and diversity across its workforce and offers a family friendly environment in which flexible working is encouraged; we strive to hold important meetings/seminars within core hours of 09.15 to 14.45. In addition, a broad variety of measures are currently being introduced to ensure effective career progression for everyone and to eradicate the historical underrepresentation of females at higher professional levels.
This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by the UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Further information can be found at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/staff/policy/immigration/.
Closing Date: 2 May 2019
Please quote ref: AR2206HM
Further Particulars: AR2206HM FPs.doc
School of Biology, SMRU
Salary: £27,025 pa, pro rata
Start Date: 27 May 2019 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed Term: 8 months