Based in the Faculty of Science and Engineering, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences is primed to enable students to achieve their ambitions by linking research to real world problems. Students are equipped with the skills they need to make a positive impact on the sustainability of our environment and society. With many amazing ecosystems right on our doorstep in the UK’s first National Marine Park, Plymouth boasts one of the highest concentrations of world-leading marine scientists in Europe and benefits from world-class research facilities such as the Marine Station, a fleet of research vessels and the Scientific Diving Unit.
Our programs focus on career training, inspiring change for a more sustainable future across the themes of Biological Science, Marine Science, Conservation and Marine Biology. Students are taught by experts in their fields, with teaching informed by world-leading research for which the University has been awarded two Queen’s Anniversary Prizes for Environment and Conservation, and is ranked 6th in UK impact ranking for the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal, Life Below Water in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025.
The appointment will complement and build on our existing research and teaching strengths across a diverse range of marine biology and conservation topics including; scientific diving, ecosystem monitoring, ecophysiology, community ecology, policy and management, and tropical ecology and conservation.
The teaching associated with this role is closely aligned to our new MRes Scientific Diving program and you will also contribute to teaching across our Marine Biology & Marine Conservation program areas and contribute to overseas diving field courses.
In addition to scientific diving, applicants should have good quantitative skills and be research active in any of the following areas;
- Tropical ecology and conservation
- Benthic community ecology
- Spatial management and MPAs
- Fish behavior and ecology
- Ecophysiology
You will have a doctoral degree in a relevant field, supported by experience at postdoctoral or equivalent level, and a proven research track record demonstrated through high caliber outputs of a quality likely to contribute to our future UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) submission. All activities that you undertake within this role need to be in compliance with the University’s Safety Policy and undertaken in a way that demonstrates the University’s commitment to Equality and Diversity for staff, students and partners.
Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. An HSE SCUBA, or equivalent qualification would be advantageous. Interviews will take place week in late October/ early November 2025. The successful candidate may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken.
For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate working from home for this role, flexibility to be on-site will be expected due to business needs.
This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a permanent basis.
Salary: £39,906 – £56,535 per annum
Application deadline: October 13, 2025
