Research Fellow in Polar Benthic Ecology (972618HN)

Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow position in Polar benthic ecology, with a focus on sediment invertebrate biodiversity-function relations and/or reproductive resilience. The successful candidate will examine the effect of changing sea ice cover on benthic biodiversity-function relations and reproductive resilience in representative soft-sediment Arctic shelf sea habitats (Barents Sea) that intersect the ice edge. Using manipulative laboratory and ship-board experiments the successful candidate will investigate the mechanisms underpinning biodiversity-ecosystem function relations, including differences in the expression of functional traits under present and future climate conditions. This post will contribute to the ChaOS (Changing Arctic Ocean Seafloor) project within the Changing Arctic Ocean Research Programme funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), see: https://www.changing-arctic-ocean.ac.uk .

The successful candidate will join the Marine Biology and Ecology Research Group in Ocean and Earth Science, and report to Prof. Martin Solan, Dr. Jasmin Godbold and Dr. Laura Grange. Applicants will have a PhD, or thesis submitted subject to examination, in marine biology/ecology/physiology or similar, and have experience of conducting laboratory/field based experiments with benthic invertebrates and/or knowledge of histological and other laboratory techniques used to assess invertebrate reproductive resilience. Experience of working at sea is desirable, but not essential. The successful candidate will be competent in applying and interpreting statistical analyses, and will be expected to disseminate results in peer-reviewed scientific journals and at international conferences.

Interviews will take place on or around 15th March, 2018. Applicants wishing to take the post on a part-time employment basis will be considered and are encouraged to apply. Informal enquiries about the post should be made in the first instance by email to Prof. Martin Solan, m.solan@soton.ac.uk

Ocean & Earth Science holds an Athena Swan Bronze Award, demonstrating their commitment to provide equal opportunities and to advance the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine. The University of Southampton holds additionally an Athena Swan Silver Award.

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.  The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

Application Procedure

You should submit your completed online application form at www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Elsa Samwell (Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 2507. Please quote reference 972618HN on all correspondence.

Closing Date: 08 Mar 2018
Post Type: Education, Research & Enterprise