We are seeking to appoint an Acoustic Data Analyst for a period of 18 months starting as soon as possible.  The successful candidate with be based in the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) within the School of Biology.  

The post is funded by the Scottish Government as part of a Marine Mammal Scientific Support grant to SMRU to study the interactions between marine mammals and tidal turbines, and by Mentor Môn to develop techniques and investigate marine mammal behaviour in relation to the MORLAIS tidal project (https://www.morlaisenergy.com/). Concerns about the impacts of tidal energy on marine mammals derive primarily from the potential for injury or mortality as a result of direct interactions (collisions) between animals and moving rotors of tidal devices. However, the true risks posed by turbines remain uncertain due to a paucity of information on how marine mammals utilize tidal habitats and how they behave in close proximity to operating tidal turbines.   

This project, led by Dr Gordon Hastie and Dr Doug Gillespie at SMRU, aims to address this data gap by measuring the behaviour of marine mammals in tidal habitats and by monitoring the movements of marine mammals in the vicinity of an operational tidal turbine. It will use a suite of sensor systems (active and passive acoustics) to detect, classify, and track marine mammals.  

The appointee will play a key role in the project and will be responsible for monitoring the operational status of the sensor systems, data download and archiving, and preliminary data cleansing, analysis, and reporting.   

Candidates with a strong mathematical or signal processing background are encouraged to apply. Previous use of passive and active acoustic data, in particular with regards to animal movement analyses, would be particularly advantageous.  

Potential applicants are welcome to make informal enquiries to Dr Gordon Hastie, email gdh10@st-andrews.ac.uk, http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/person/gdh10/  or Dr Doug Gillespie, email dg50@st-andrews.ac.uk, http://www.smru.st-andrews.ac.uk/person/dg50/  

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

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of the St Andrews experience.  We strive to create a fair and inclusive culture demonstrated through our commitment to diversity awards (Athena Swan, Carer Positive, LGBT Charter, Race Charters and Stonewall). We celebrate diversity by promoting profiles of BAME, LGBTIQ+ staff and supporting networks including the Staff BAME Network; Staff with Disabilities Network; Staff LGBTIQ+ Network; and the Staff Parents & Carers Network.  Full details available online: https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/

Interviews will be held in the week commencing 29 August 2022

Please quote ref: AD2537SB

Closing Date: 21 August 2022

Further Particulars: AD2537SB FPs.docx

School of Biology

Sea Mammal Research Unit

Salary: £27,924 - £31,406 per annum

Fixed Term: 18 months

Start: As soon as possible