Research Associate New
University of Glasgow
East kilbride,
Scotland,
United Kingdom
Research and Science
Skilled Worker
Job posted on November 17, 2025
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Job Description:
Research Associate
Job details
Posted 17 November 2025 Salary Grade 7: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum LocationEast Kilbride Job Type Research and Teaching Reference187073 Expiry 15 December 2025 at 23:45
Job Description
Job Purpose
To make a leading contribution to the ECOCHANGE (Ecosystem Consequences of Changes to Habitats and the implications for a Net Gain Energy approach) project working with Dr Kieran Tierney at SUERC, the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate and the University of Liverpool.
ECOCHANGE is funded by The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) programme. The project aims to investigate change to nutrient flow through food webs at offshore wind farms to inform policy advice regarding environmental net gain. This role will give the post holder the exciting opportunity to be involved in a novel project that works together with different project partners including Scottish Government, offshore wind farm developers, and academia as well as a range of stakeholders.
The candidate will co-design and implement fieldwork strategies to collect samples of biota from offshore wind farms for stomach content and stable isotope analysis. You will conduct data analysis to characterise food web structures and identify any change in these marine ecosystems. You will assist in the development of ecosystem models to examine the wider effects of these changes.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills And Experience
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of temperate marine ecology and associated impacts from artificial structures including offshore wind.
A3 Well-developed knowledge of quantitative research methods relevant to ecological data analysis, including statistical and multivariate modelling approaches, and proficiency in data handling and analysis using appropriate software (e.g. R or equivalent).
Skills
Essential:
C1 Ability to plan fieldwork campaigns, including logistical coordination and sampling design.
C2 Strong analytical skills in interpreting ecological data.
C3 Ability to manage, analyse and visualise complex datasets, integrating multiple data types using appropriate statistical and computational tools (e.g. R or equivalent).
C4 Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
C5 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
C6 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, and administrative responsibilities.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience of undertaking independent research, demonstrating initiative and the ability to progress activities with minimal supervision.
E2 Experience of conducting fieldwork campaigns at sea.
E3 Proven ability to deliver high-quality research outputs within agreed timescales.
E4 Developing track record of research outputs including presentations and publications in peer reviewed journals.
E5 Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, supporting colleagues to ensure successful delivery of shared objectives.
E6 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
Desirable
F1 Experience of sampling biota at sea and identifying common fish and benthic species.
F2 Up to date knowledge of key planning and policy areas (e.g. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy).
F3 Experience of interpreting stable isotope data using, for example, statistical modelling approaches such as Bayesian analysis.
F4 Experience of ecosystem modelling software, for example Ecopath with Ecosim.
F5 Experience engaging with external stakeholders such as government agencies, industry and local communities.
Closing date: 15 December 2025
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
APPLY NOW
Job details
Posted 17 November 2025 Salary Grade 7: £41,064 - £46,049 per annum LocationEast Kilbride Job Type Research and Teaching Reference187073 Expiry 15 December 2025 at 23:45
Job Description
Job Purpose
To make a leading contribution to the ECOCHANGE (Ecosystem Consequences of Changes to Habitats and the implications for a Net Gain Energy approach) project working with Dr Kieran Tierney at SUERC, the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate and the University of Liverpool.
ECOCHANGE is funded by The Crown Estate’s Offshore Wind Evidence and Change (OWEC) programme. The project aims to investigate change to nutrient flow through food webs at offshore wind farms to inform policy advice regarding environmental net gain. This role will give the post holder the exciting opportunity to be involved in a novel project that works together with different project partners including Scottish Government, offshore wind farm developers, and academia as well as a range of stakeholders.
The candidate will co-design and implement fieldwork strategies to collect samples of biota from offshore wind farms for stomach content and stable isotope analysis. You will conduct data analysis to characterise food web structures and identify any change in these marine ecosystems. You will assist in the development of ecosystem models to examine the wider effects of these changes.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties And Responsibilities
- Take a leading role in the planning and delivery of assigned research activities, working individually or jointly to meet project deliverables.
- Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
- Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
- Lead project meetings and workshops, ensuring effective communication and coordination with colleagues and partners track progress of deliverables, and maximise the quality and impact of outputs.
- Perform administrative tasks related to the project activities and SUERC, including leading on project reporting requirements for OWEC.
- Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the project team/SUERC/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
- Establish a track record of independent and joint published research to establish your expert reputation in the subject area.
- Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and impact profile.
- Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.
- Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
- Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through SUERC in consultation with your line manager.
- Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
- Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and Director of SUERC.
- Contribute to the enhancement of SUERC’s international profile in line with the SUERC research strategy.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills And Experience
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of temperate marine ecology and associated impacts from artificial structures including offshore wind.
A3 Well-developed knowledge of quantitative research methods relevant to ecological data analysis, including statistical and multivariate modelling approaches, and proficiency in data handling and analysis using appropriate software (e.g. R or equivalent).
Skills
Essential:
C1 Ability to plan fieldwork campaigns, including logistical coordination and sampling design.
C2 Strong analytical skills in interpreting ecological data.
C3 Ability to manage, analyse and visualise complex datasets, integrating multiple data types using appropriate statistical and computational tools (e.g. R or equivalent).
C4 Excellent organisational and problem-solving skills, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively within multidisciplinary research teams.
C5 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
C6 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, and administrative responsibilities.
Experience
Essential:
E1 Experience of undertaking independent research, demonstrating initiative and the ability to progress activities with minimal supervision.
E2 Experience of conducting fieldwork campaigns at sea.
E3 Proven ability to deliver high-quality research outputs within agreed timescales.
E4 Developing track record of research outputs including presentations and publications in peer reviewed journals.
E5 Experience of working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams, supporting colleagues to ensure successful delivery of shared objectives.
E6 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
Desirable
F1 Experience of sampling biota at sea and identifying common fish and benthic species.
F2 Up to date knowledge of key planning and policy areas (e.g. Scottish Biodiversity Strategy).
F3 Experience of interpreting stable isotope data using, for example, statistical modelling approaches such as Bayesian analysis.
F4 Experience of ecosystem modelling software, for example Ecopath with Ecosim.
F5 Experience engaging with external stakeholders such as government agencies, industry and local communities.
Closing date: 15 December 2025
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.
This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.