Senior Research Associate in Marine Food Web Rewiring
Explore how seabird nutrient subsidies reshape marine ecosystems in tropical and temperate regions.
Best for:Best for experienced marine ecologists or community scientists with fieldwork expertise in temperate/warm-water ecosystems, including scuba/snorkeling, and a passion for interdisciplinary ecological research.
Overview
This four-year position at Lancaster University’s Lancaster Environment Centre focuses on investigating the ecological impacts of seabird nutrient run-off on marine food webs. The successful candidate will conduct fieldwork in remote locations, including the Seychelles, Mediterranean, and UK island archipelagos, studying ecosystems like mangroves, seagrass, coral reefs, and kelp. The role involves collaboration with Prof Nick Graham and interdisciplinary teams, with opportunities to co-mentor PhD students. The project blends community ecology with nutrient dynamics, requiring expertise in temperate or warm-water marine systems and fieldwork experience, including scuba/snorkeling. The Lancaster Environment Centre provides a supportive, inclusive environment for research and career development.
What you'll do
- Investigate the role of seabird nutrient subsidies in marine food webs across tropical and temperate regions, including the Seychelles, Mediterranean, and UK island archipelagos.
- Conduct fieldwork in remote locations, involving scuba and snorkeling-based data collection in ecosystems such as mangroves, seagrass beds, coral reefs, and kelp forests.
- Analyze nutrient integration into foundation species and assess how food web structures are influenced by nutrient subsidies.
- Collaborate with Prof Nick Graham and interdisciplinary research teams to design and implement field studies and data collection methods.
- Develop and apply innovative research methods to study nutrient dynamics and ecological interactions in marine environments.
- Co-mentor PhD students and contribute to the training and development of early-career researchers within the Island-Ocean Research Hub.
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present research outcomes at national and international conferences.
- Engage with collaborating universities and NGOs to integrate findings into broader ecological and conservation initiatives.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Marine Ecology, Community Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
Language: English; proficiency required for academic communication and collaboration.
Instruction: English
Publications: A strong publication record in marine ecology or related fields is preferred.
- Proven expertise in temperate or warm-water marine ecology or community ecology.
- Experience conducting fieldwork in remote locations, including scuba and snorkeling-based data collection.
- Strong background in nutrient cycling, ecosystem dynamics, or food web analysis.
- Familiarity with statistical and analytical methods for ecological data.
- Ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams and with international partners.
- Experience with field equipment and techniques for marine ecological research.
- Open to all qualified applicants; no specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
- No age or prior experience caps explicitly stated.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-30
Applicants must submit a cover letter (500 words max), a 2-page CV, a publication record (distinguishing published and under-review works), supporting statements for each personal specification point, and contact details for two referees. Applications should be submitted via the university’s online portal.
- Cover letter (500 words max)
- 2-page CV
- List of publications (published vs. under review)
- Supporting statements for each personal specification point (~50-200 words each)
- Contact details for two referees
Contact
Nick Graham· Professor
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