The Marine Biological Association is an independent research institute carrying out leading-edge research in fundamental and strategic areas of marine biology. As one of the world’s longest running learned societies (founded in 1884) the MBA is dedicated to promoting research into our oceans and the life that they support. Many eminent scientists, including twelve Nobel Prize winners, have conducted their research at the MBA’s famous Citadel Hill laboratory.
The role
The PDRA will work alongside Dr Dan Smale to deliver research in the context of his UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship (FLF) award. The project will examine the impacts of extreme climatic events, particularly marine heatwaves, on the structure and functioning of marine ecosystems. The project will also examine the influence of ocean warming and other stressors on coastal marine habitats more broadly. A key aim of the research is to better understand how current and predicted ocean warming trends will affect marine biodiversity.
The PDRA will collate and interrogate existing datasets on a range of ecological variables as well as corresponding sea temperature datasets to examine responses to extreme warming events. They will examine existing biodiversity datasets to determine drivers of ecological structure in coastal marine environments and identify and obtain additional field data if/where necessary. He/she will also be involved in writing results up for publication, collaborating across a multi-disciplinary network and with associated stakeholders, coordinating tasks within the research group and contributing to the wider research environment.
The successful candidate will have:
- A PhD in marine ecology/biology or a related discipline
- Experience of publishing data-led papers in peer-reviewed journals
- Strong skills in statistical analysis, handling various datasets and quantitative techniques
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- An ability to work both independently and as part of a team (including supervising research assistants and postgraduate students)
Experience of conducting coastal marine fieldwork in intertidal/subtidal habitats will be considered an advantage.
The PDRA will be based at the Marine Biological Association of the UK in Plymouth, but will be expected to travel to meetings, workshops and field locations as needed.
The position is fixed term (24 months) with potential for extension; starting date flexible.
Application deadline: 17th January 2020.
For more information and how to apply, visit the MBA website.
Story by The Marine Biological Association of the UK
