We are seeking to appoint a post-doctoral research fellow for a period of one year.  The successful candidate with be based in the Sea Mammal Research Unit (SMRU) within the School of Biology.
 
The project is funded by INSITE – the INfluence of man-made Structures In the Ecosystem – an oil and gas industry-sponsored initiative committed to developing the independent scientific evidence-base needed to improve understanding of the influence of man-made structures on the ecosystem of the North Sea.

The project, led by Dr Debbie Russell at SMRU, aims to answer two key questions: (1) What is the overlap between, and influence of, anthropogenic structures and apex predators (seabirds and marine mammals) in the North Sea? and (2) Using telemetry data and knowledge of the overlap between man-made structures and predator distributions, what is the prevalence of the use of man-made structures for foraging by seals and seabirds in the North Sea. The project, “Man-made structures and Apex Predators:  Spatial interactions and overlap (MAPS)”, is a collaboration with The University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB), Centre for Research into Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) and IMARES,  Netherlands.

The appointed post-doc will play a key role in answering both of both these questions. To address the first question they will conduct habitat preference analyses.  Addressing the second question will involve analyses of telemetry data from both seals and seabirds.

Candidates with a statistical or modelling background are encouraged to apply. Previous use of telemetry data and survey data, in particular with regards to habitat preference analyses, would be particularly advantageous.

Potential applicants are welcome to make informal enquiries to Dr Debbie Russell, email dr60@st-and.ac.uk, http://biology.st-andrews.ac.uk/contact/staffProfile.aspx?sunID=dr60.  

Applications are particularly welcome from women, who are under-represented in Science posts at the University.  You can find out more about Equality & Diversity at https://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/.

The University of St Andrews is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all, which is further demonstrated through its working on the Gender and Race Equality Charters and being awarded the Athena SWAN award for women in science, HR Excellence in Research Award and the LGBT Charter;  http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/hr/edi/diversityawards/. 

Please quote ref:  AR1787SB  

Closing Date:  19 May 2016
 
Further Particulars:  AR1787SB FPs.pdf 

School of Biology (SMRU)
Salary: £31,656 - £32,600 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term for 12 months