Research Fellow – A-A Agora

The role also allows the Research Fellow the professional development opportunity to demonstrate the capacity for independent and self-directed research and scholarship and the management of a research team. The role allows the Research Fellow to assemble a portfolio of independent achievement and render themselves competitive for tenured academic positions or senior scientific roles in industry.

• To manage and conduct a specific programme of research and scholarship.
• To independently identify research objectives and potential funding sources and to prepare and write bids for funding proposals.
• To have a strong track record in securing external funding, including own salary.
• To disseminate the outcomes of the research, including peer-reviewed academic publications of international standing.
• To take a leading role in the further development of the research programme and in seeking and pursuing appropriate external funding.
• To work effectively and collaboratively with MaREI colleagues on the management and co-ordination of the A-A Agora project, and to proactively lead on and shape the development of certain aspects of that work.
• To work in active partnership with the project partners to ensure timely achievement of project deliverables and milestones, including regularly attending meetings with some or all partners, both remotely and in-person.
• To contribute strongly to the successful running of the project, ensuring scientific excellence, timely production of reports and deliverables across the project’s work packages, as well as driving the publication of project outputs in peer-reviewed academic publications.
• To participate fully in the wider research and scholarly activities of the Research Centre, School and College.
• To have some teaching and mentoring duties.
• To supervise post graduate research students as supervisor or co-supervisor, as appropriate.
• To mentor and assist students and early-stage researchers in the research group, School and College.
• To take responsibility for, manage and conduct administrative and management tasks associated with the research programme.
• To engage in appropriate training and professional development opportunities as required by the Principal Investigator, School or College.
• To carry out any additional duties as may reasonably be required within the general scope and level of the post.

The successful candidate will be expected to have: 

• A PhD qualification and significant relevant research experience (Coastal and Marine Ecology, Marine Science, Nature Based Solutions, Ecosystem-based management).
• The capacity to work independently on research projects.
• The ability to assess and evaluate concepts/theories in order to develop original solutions and particular knowledge of, and expertise in research methodologies. 
• Track record of high quality peer reviewed publications.
• Experience in postgraduate and Post-Doctoral supervision.
• Significant experience in the management of or participation in large scale European research projects focussing on ecosystem services and natural capital accounting.
• Knowledge of the latest developments in Nature Based Solutions, habitat restoration and Ecosystem Based Management.
• Detailed understanding and knowledge of coastal systems, including from an ecological and socio-economic point of view. Particular expertise in sand dune and saltmarsh habitats, their dynamics and restoration would be an advantage.
• Experience with participatory approaches to marine environmental decision making and stakeholder led marine management techniques.
• Knowledge of European Biodiversity Directives including the MSFD, Habitats and Birds Directives.
• Excellent data presentation skills are highly desirable.
• Familiarity with working with EU institutions, directorates general or agencies.
• Appreciation and understanding of the value of engaged research.
• Strong project management experience.
• Ability to provide leadership to small research teams.
• Ability to secure independent external research funding.
• Ability to contribute to broader organisational and management processes.
• Knowledge transfer and commercialisation experience is highly desirable.