Following the recent announcement of £5M in awards from the BBSRC and NERC to improve understanding of the factors affecting sustainable aquaculture and to help build a multidisciplinary community (http://www.bbsrc.ac.uk/news/food-security/2015/150618-n-research-projects-support-sustainable-aquaculture/), we seek to appoint a research assistant to join a project led by William Austin (St Andrews/SAMS), Eileen Bresnan (Marine Scotland Science) and Keith Davidson (SAMS). The project title is:
 
Toxic algae and sea-loch sediments: A novel investigation to understand the influence of climate change on harmful algal blooms and aquaculture.

Our desire is to appoint an individual with a proven track-record in a relevant research area, who shares our vision to undertake excellent research. Expertise in marine biology, marine geosciences or other areas of applied marine sciences are essential, but other specialisms that complement our research project (algal taxonomy, foraminiferal research, sediment geochronology) would also be highly desirable.

You will have a degree in Marine Sciences or a cognate discipline and have a proven track record as a laboratory-based researcher with a willingness to contribute to field-based sampling. Having experience of microscopy is essential; experience of sediment geochronology is desirable. You will have the opportunity to contribute to research design, data analysis and publication and should be flexible in terms of a willingness to work between the three partner institutes (St Andrews, Aberdeen and Oban). The post is primarily based at St Andrews under the supervision of the PI (William Austin), where you will become part of an energetic research group working on diverse issues of environmental change.

Informal enquiries are very welcome, and may be made to: Professor William Austin (wena@st-andrews.ac.uk; tel +44 (0)1334 463988). The research interests and recent publications of current members of staff in Geography and Sustainable Development can be found on our website (http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/gsd/). 

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/.

Interview Date:  Early August 2015

Please quote ref:  AR1681SB

Closing Date:  27 July 2015

Further Particulars:  AR1681SB FPs.pdf

School of Geography and Geosciences
Department of Geography and Sustainable Development
Salary: £25,513 - £30,434 per annum
Start: As soon as possible
Fixed term for 18 months