Environmental DNA is set to revolutionise the way we assess and monitor the marine environment. Measuring impacts of finfish aquaculture on marine sediments has long demanded high levels of taxonomic expertise in benthic organisms. Benthic characterisation via sediment eDNA analysis may provide a rapid alternative to this approach.
We are looking for an innovative, numerical ecologist/post-doctoral research assistant to take a leading role in the development of algorithms that predict the environmental status of marine sediments based on their eDNA-profile. This is a fantastic opportunity to be at the forefront of assessing the environmental changes associated with aquaculture, one of the largest, and fastest growing, food-sectors.
Our ideal candidate
You may have a background in, for example, sediment/soil microbial systems and/or DNA-based studies of pollution/non-native introductions or other DNA/eDNA applications. Through your research, regardless of your specialism, you will have demonstrated a high-level aptitude and interest in finding patterns in data, necessitating data ‘wrangling’ and statistical modelling. These data-tasks may have included machine learning, and both uni- and multivariate statistical modelling. You will be comfortable presenting your research to a range of audiences and publishing scientific and technical papers. R expertise is essential; experience of metabarcoding and/or sedimentary systems (the core focus of this post) would be advantageous, but training / familiarisation will be given where necessary.
Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Fixed Term, up to 2.5 years
Working Pattern: Full Time, hybrid/flexible working available (three days working on-site, two days working remotely)
Salary Range: £32,344 - £36,382 per annum (starting salary will depend on experience)
