Senior Research Associate – Marine Food Web Rewiring

Position Details

• Department: Lancaster Environment Centre, Lancaster University, UK.
• Reference: 1052-26.
• Salary: Grade 7 (£39,906 to £46,049).
• Hours: full time (indefinite with end date).
• Location: Lancaster. Travel for fieldwork and collaborations as required.
• Duration: 4 years.
• Closing date: Friday 30 October 2026.
• Interview date: Friday 20 November 2026.

About the Opportunity

An exciting opportunity exists for a marine scientist or community ecologist to contribute to a Royal Society funded project: Harnessing island-ocean connections to support ecosystems and people.

Lancaster University is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic temperate or warm-water marine scientist and/or community ecologist to join the Island-Ocean Research Hub. This new research hub will investigate island-ocean connectivity and the influence of seabirds and island rewilding on ecosystem structure, function, and benefits to people. This specific position will focus on the role of seabird nutrient run-off, the extent to which those nutrients are integrated into foundation species, and how food web structures are influenced by the nutrient subsidies. Potential study sites will include the inner and southern Seychelles, the Mediterranean Sea and island archipelagos around the UK, and ecosystems to explore include mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs and kelp.

This project is led out of Lancaster University, with a number of collaborating universities and NGOs. Fieldwork for the project will include periods in remote locations, working in small teams, and scuba and snorkel-based work, and experience of such working will be essential. The successful applicant will work closely with Prof Nick Graham on this project, and collaborate with other members of the research team, both in Lancaster and at collaborating institutions.

Preferred Candidate

Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science/community ecology, experience of fieldwork, skills in statistical modelling, and a proven ability to publish scientific papers. A proactive and enthusiastic approach and good interpersonal skills are essential.

About Lancaster University and the Lancaster Environment Centre

Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 10 of UK universities. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences. Within LEC, there is particular strength in high diversity tropical systems, including coral reefs and tropical rainforests. LEC offers a highly collegial and stimulating environment for career development based on departmental values and embedded Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI) considerations and actions.

Applicants from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to apply. Interviews are anticipated to be held in November 2026.

What to Include in Each Document of Your Application

• Cover Letter: please discuss why you are interested specifically in this position, how it fits with your career goals, describe any relevant skills, and how you may seek to develop this area of research. 500 word limit.
• CV: please include a 2-page CV.
• Publication record: please upload a list of your publications, clearly distinguishing those that are published and those that are under review. Please do not include those in preparation.
• Supporting Statements: please provide a supporting statement for each Personal Specification point that is listed as being scored via “Supporting Statements”. Aim for one paragraph per criteria (~50-200 words).
• Referees: contact information for at least two referees. At this stage, only contact details are required for referees, not letters of support.

Further Information

Informal enquiries for issues not covered in the further information may be sent to Prof Nick Graham, nick.graham@lancaster.ac.uk. Such enquiries are not necessary as part of the application and will not inform any decision.

Please note: unless specified otherwise in the advert, all advertised roles are UK based.

The University recognises and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address all inequality in higher education whilst promoting the importance and wellbeing for all colleagues. Lancaster University warmly welcomes applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their age, religion, gender identity or expression, race, disability or sexual orientation, and is committed to promoting diversity, and equality of opportunity.

How to Apply

More information and application: https://hr-jobs.lancs.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=1052-26