Application closing date: 08/03/2020
Salary: £26,715 (pro-rated), Grade 4
Package: Excellent benefits package

Job description

Full time, 5 month FTC

We are currently looking for a Research Assistant to join our School of Applied Sciences on a five-month full-time contract. The successful candidate will contribute to a research project collaboration between Edinburgh Napier University and the Skye and Wester Ross Fishery Trust (SWFT).

Historically, herring were abundant around the West of Scotland and of importance to the local economy. Today, the estimated herring stock size in ICES area 6a is at near an all-time low. In March 2018 and 2019 herring spawn was recorded near Loch Gairloch in Northwest Scotland within an area closed to mobile fishing so that its seabed has been protected to a greater degree than elsewhere around northwest Scotland. Following video footage broadcast on BBC Blue Planet UK and BBC Springwatch, the Skye and Wester Ross Fisheries Trust [SWRFT] was awarded funding for a scoping study to review available information on herring spawning habitats and inform conservation and management requirements for seabed habitats where herring may spawn.

With over 19,500 students and 1500 staff, Edinburgh Napier University is a leading, modern university with a reputation and impact that stretches far beyond our shores. We are an inclusive University with strong links to industry and are clear that it is our 'applied' focus that sets us apart. It is an exciting place to work with a clear growth agenda.

The role

The successful candidate is to work as a Research Assistant for 5 months at Edinburgh Napier University, in collaboration with the SWRFT.

The incumbent will:

• carry out a literature review focusing on herring spawning habitats
• prepare a GIS map showing historic spawning sites in Wester Ross and
• co-write a summary report and make suggestions for a follow-up project aimed at gaining more comprehensive information on the spawning ecology and habitat requirements of herring in the Wester Ross area.

Who we are looking for 

Educated to postgraduate level, you will be able to demonstrate excellent written and good oral communication and presentation skills, and be confidently able to assemble, sort, assess, analyse data and literature, and to present it in an appropriate form. You will have strong organisational ability and time management skills, and experience in planning research projects. You will be a good team player, whilst also able to work on your own initiative. You should be willing to travel across Scotland for researching literature and for attending project meetings with the SWRFT. 

For a detailed list of the requirements, you can read the full role profile here.  
 
Benefits we offer

Salary: GBP 26,715 (pro-rated), Grade 4

Further information about our benefits can be found here.

Additional information 

Application closing date: Sunday 8 March (Midnight)
Interviews will be held on 20/03/2020 or 23/03/2020
Starting date of the position: As soon as possible post-interview.

Informal enquiries about this position may be made to k.diele@napier.ac.uk

Please note that the successful candidate must have permission to work in the UK as we are unable to sponsor any candidate for this role.

The University is committed to inclusion, demonstrated through our work in respect of our diversity awards and accreditations (Advance HE's Athena SWAN Charter) and holds Disability Confident, Carer Positive and Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champion status. More details can be found here.