Post-Doctoral Research Associate – Pelagic Subsidies to Coral Reefs

An exciting opportunity for a marine scientist to contribute to a Royal Society funded project: Oceanic Subsidies: human and climate drivers of tropical marine food webs.

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic marine scientist to contribute to a project investigating the links between pelagic ecosystems and coral reefs. This includes coral reef ecology, oceanography, and isotope ecology, with a focus on Indian Ocean ecosystems. The research will focus on quantifying pelagic ~ reef pathways that move through reef fishes (planktivores and mobile consumers), requiring expertise in oceanography, stable isotope techniques, and community ecology. You will combine primary productivity maps with stable isotope signals to quantify variation in pelagic subsidies to coral reefs, requiring large-scale statistical models.

You are encouraged to think through their own ideas about these linkages and how their area of expertise could be applied to this study design. You will work closely with Dr James Robinson on this project, collaborate with international partners, and work alongside PhD students to develop data and methodologies. Preferred candidates will have a PhD in marine science, oceanography, or ecological modelling, with strong data skills and relevant experience in fieldwork, lab work, and writing publications. Practical knowledge and experience with physical oceanography methods, including biophysical modelling, or with stable isotope analysis (e.g. Bayesian mixing models) will be highly valued. A proactive and enthusiastic approach and good interpersonal skills are essential

Lancaster University is a research-intensive university, ranked in the top 1% of universities globally, and in the top 10 in the UK. The Lancaster Environment Centre (LEC) is a large and multidisciplinary department, tackling environmental challenges across the natural and social sciences. LEC has strengths 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. 

We anticipate interviews will be held in March 2025. The initial contract is for 24 months, but we will seek opportunities to extend this timeframe, such as supporting grant and fellowship applications.

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

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