The Scottish Oceans Institute and School of Biology at University of St Andrews is looking to appoint a 3.5 years fixed-term research assistant at 50% following the recent award of a major NERC Biodiversity and Ecosystem Service Sustainability (BESS) consortium grant to the University of St Andrews. Starting possibly in October 2012, the role holder will act as project manager of the CBESS consortium, which ideals with 'A hierarchical approach to the examination of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem service flows across coastal margins', under the supervision of Dr Claire Golléty, Dr Tim Stojanovic and Prof David M. Paterson. Within the CBESS project, the role holder will act as the day to day project manager and will help to organise public surveys and questionnaires in support of the socio-economic components of the project. The role holder will also be expected to ensure appropriate dissemination, communication and outreach activities in cooperation with the overall BESS administrative team.

We are seeking a literate candidate with good communication skills and preferably some knowledge of the biodiversity-ecosystem function debate. The position is unusual in that the candidate must have an interest in both science and the administration of science. We expect to attract a highly motivated and relatively independent worker with an enthusiasm for the marine environment.

Applicants are required to have higher level education (or equivalent) in the sciences, experience of project coordination, outreach activities, well-developed communication skills, an ability to work as part of a team and excellent organisational abilities. A degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related subjects would be advantageous. Other important skills and attributes include experience on running workshops or administering questionnaire surveys, independence and initiative, logistics abilities and good communication skills.  

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Claire Golléty (cg91@st-andrews.ac.uk).
 
Further information about the NERC BESS programme and CBESS consortium can be found at: http://www.nerc-bess.net/ and http://cbess.weebly.com/index.html.

The hours of work will be 18.125 hours per week.

Closing Date:  19 September 2012

Please quote ref:  ME1573

Further Particulars: ME1573AR FPs.doc

School of Biology
Salary: £24,520 - £29,249 per annum pro rata
Start Date:  As soon as possible
Fixed Term:  3.5 years
Hours of work:  18.125 hours per week