Avian Ecologist

Band 7

Based at Edinburgh

The Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (CEH), part of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), is the UK’s Centre of Excellence for research in the terrestrial and freshwater environmental sciences.

The NERC Research Associates' Programme is an initiative which is intended to offer individuals the opportunity to gain practical experience of working within a research institute, whilst acquiring specialist and wider skills that will be valuable in a range of careers.

The programme is aimed particularly at those who have recently completed postgraduate studies, but is open to individuals from other backgrounds and of all ages. Individuals will work on highly topical research projects, both important for future research within the environmental research community and appropriate to their backgrounds. Research Associates are given specific, measurable objectives, which will be intended to develop their skills as a researcher and to demonstrate their suitability for a research career.

Description of work area

We are looking for an enthusiastic and committed scientist to work and train as an Avian Ecologist. The post will be within the Biodiversity team based at CEH's Edinburgh site.

The post-holder will undergo an extensive training programme as part of CEH’s long-term study of seabird populations (IMLOTS – Isle of May Long-Term Study). This study is one of the most comprehensive of its kind and involves intensive monitoring of many aspects of the ecology of six species of seabird breeding at our long-term field site on the Isle of May. There are two main areas of work that the trainee would contribute to: a) extended periods of fieldwork on the Isle of May during the spring/summer, collecting data on survival, breeding success, diet, behaviour and physiology of seabirds; b) laboratory analyses, data archiving, database management, statistical analyses and scientific writing during the autumn/winter.

Training and skills to be gained in summary

At the end of the three-year training programme, the Research Associate will have gained in-depth training in the fundamental elements of seabird research, in particular:

• Collection of data on seabirds of sufficient quality to contribute to CEH’s long-term monitoring programme
• Analysis of seabird diet including field identification of fish and laboratory analyses of diet samples
• Archiving of biological samples and data
• Management of relational database on seabird survival, breeding success, diet and physiology
• Processing and analysis of data obtained from data loggers
• Statistical analysis, scientific writing and oral presentations

If you require any further details please contact CEH Seabird Ecologist Dr Francis Daunt (frada@ceh.ac.uk).

Skills required on appointment

The candidate will have a relevant scientific background, e.g., BSc or equivalent in a biological subject.  Key requirements are the ability to undertake long periods of physically demanding fieldwork in remote locations, computer literacy, teamwork skills and the ability to work on your own. Some experience with databases and GIS would also be an advantage. The ideal candidate should be an enthusiastic and self-motivated person with good organisational and interpersonal skills.

Salary

The salary for this research associate post is £19,540 progressing to £23,150 per annum. In addition, NERC offers 30 days’ annual leave and 10½ days’ public and privilege holiday per annum.

Closing date for applications: 20 January 2012.

Applications are handled by the RCUK Shared Services Centre. To apply, please visit our job board at https://ext.ssc.rcuk.ac.uk and complete an online application form. Applicants who would like to receive this advert in an alternative format (e.g. large print, Braille, audio or hard copy), or who are unable to apply online, should contact us by telephone on 01793 867003, Please quote reference number IRC40404.