The applicant will work on large-scale understanding of coastal wetlands – primarily mangrove forests and tidal marshes. This will include mapping and modelling of distribution, value, condition, and opportunities for restoration. The work will be highly collaborative, notably with The Nature Conservancy, but also with academic, NGO, and other partners.
The Project’s main goal will be to improve our understanding of these ecosystems as a means to support conservation interventions, including protection and restoration. Outputs will inform both international and local interventions, for the benefit of biodiversity and the many stakeholders who benefit from these ecosystems. The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant subject such as interdisciplinary ocean science, or ecology and preferably a good understanding of the conservation of marine and coastal ecosystems. The successful candidate will also require strong technical skills in terms of statistical and spatial analyses, and the ability to coordinate and manage large datasets.
The successful candidate will be based in the Cambridge Conservation Initiative (CCI)’s David Attenborough Building in central Cambridge, which provides exceptional opportunities for applied interdisciplinary collaboration. The candidate will have the opportunity develop a large network of research collaborators based at universities and non-governmental organizations. The work is on site.
There will be the potential for the Research Associate to work with researchers based at The Nature Conservancy, contributing to research across different themes, which will include looking across the seascape at the three main coastal wetlands – tidal marshes, mangroves, and seagrasses.
Qualifications
Required
- Educated to PhD level, in a relevant subject such as ecological science, mapping or modelling
- Highly competent in statistical analyses and programming skills (e.g. R, Python, JavaScript)
- Excellent spatial analysis skills with experience in GIS, Google Earth Engine or remote sensing
- Demonstrated skills in the coordination and management of large datasets, including collation, processing, handling and analysis.
- Proven ability to analyse and write scientific result
- Good communication skills (written and oral)
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team
Preferred
- Good understanding of marine/coastal conservation and/or ecosystem services
- Experience mentoring junior scientists
Application deadline: May 26, 2025
Salary range: £37,174-£45,413
