We are
seeking to appoint a Photo-ID Research Assistant to work on the Harbour Seal
Decline Project, a project investigating the potential drivers behind regional
declines in harbour seal numbers in Scotland. Part of the project aims to
estimate survival and fecundity rates of harbour seals at sites of contrasting
population trajectories. To do so, photo-ID data collection started in 2016 at haul-out
sites located in Orkney and in Isle of Skye to obtain longitudinal sighting and
reproductive histories of individual seals. Photographs of harbour seals are
collected at the monitored sites during the pupping season (June-July) on a
daily basis when weather allows. Photos are taken from land using a digiscope
system (in Orkney) or from a tourist boat platform departing Dunvegan Castle
grounds (in Isle of Skye).
This is an
exciting opportunity for a dynamic and dedicated person to work on a
long-running project within a supportive team at the Sea Mammal Research Unit.
The appointed research assistant will be responsible for collecting photo-ID
data of harbour seals during approximately 6 weeks over the months of June and
July, at one of the study areas (Orkney or Isle of Skye). Main jobs also
include processing the collected photo-identification data by grading
photographs and identifying individual seals using freely available pattern
matching software Wild-ID and manual matching.
The
candidates should have experience collecting and/or processing
photo-identification data, the ability to work remotely and independently in
the field and have excellent organizational skills.
This post
is a full-time position, available from mid-May 2021, for one year in the first
instance.
Informal enquiries can be directed to Dr Mònica Arso Civil, email: mac64@st-andrews.ac.uk.
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 research posts at the University.
The
University is committed to equality for all, demonstrated through accreditation
(Athena SWAN;
Carer Positive; Stonewall, LGBT and Race
Charters), as listed on: http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/.
Closing Date: 13
April 2021
Please quote ref:
AR2526NB
Further Particulars: AR2526NB FPs.doc
School of Biology, Sea Mammal Research Unit
Salary: £27,511 - £32,816 per annum
Start Date: 19th May 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter
Fixed Term: 1 year, in the first instance
Photo-ID Research Assistant – AR2526NB
Photo-ID Research Assistant – AR2526NB