Senior Marine Fish Ecologist (2023-6335)

If you have an interest in marine and fish ecology and the assessment of environmental effects of marine renewable energy, and would like to play an important role in tackling the climate change emergency, then we would like to hear from you!

This role will give you the opportunity to work independently, but closely and collaboratively with the existing marine fish ecology scientists and other staff with the Marine Directorate’s Science Evidence Digital and Data portfolio.  Aside supporting consenting and licensing advice in relation to fish, the post will also afford you the opportunity to develop your skills in research working within the Marine Directorate in collaboration with universities and research institutes, commissioning research contracts, co-supervising PhDs and undertaking in-house research.

Although you will be based within an team specialising in fish ecology, your main workflows will contribute to renewable energy environmental advice. This area exists to provide scientific support to policy development and licensing of energy production from renewable sources in Scottish waters. Your work will sit within the science division of the Marine Directorate which is has responsibility for providing advice within government on the potential environmental impacts of marine energy on key receptors including birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish.

You will play a key role in delivering marine fish ecology research and advice within the Marine Directorate, focussing on receptor-related science that helps support Scotland’s drive towards NetZero . As part of a team of scientists, you will identify and address key knowledge gaps through delivery of applied research. This includes contributing to the ScotMER programme, scoping research, providing science input and oversight of the commissioning and delivery of research projects. Alongside this, you will also participate in research activities, develop strong collaborations including PhD supervision and seek external funding to support research and other means of delivering high quality research.

A key part of the role will be the provision of specialist advice and technical guidance on marine fish ecology to the Marine Directorate’s Licensing Operations Team (MD-LOT) and Policy and Planning colleagues in relation to the assessment of environmental impacts of marine renewable developments. Critical to this will be the development of the scientific evidence base underpinning the advice via the ScotMER Programme.  

You will help to maintain and further develop good working relationships with relevant stakeholders, including NatureScot, JNCC, academia, consultants and industry. You will represent the Scottish Government and the Marine Directorate at national and international forums. This is a varied and highly rewarding post in a technical field of scientific excellence, and the post holder must successfully manage a range of competing priorities often to very tight deadlines.

You will work within a wide and flexible team structure, across the division,  and may be expect to provide people management for several people.

• Ensure that advice within Government is based on the best available science and practice by identifying knowledge gaps that are key constraints to advice provision and initiating, scoping and delivering applied research (externally commissioned, in house or collaborative) that addresses these
• Identify and pursue opportunities for delivering relevant applied research, e.g. through external collaborations, securing external funding, PhD supervision, and other means
• Manage the preparation of scientific advice and guidance on marine fish ecology to LOT and Policy & Planning colleagues within the Marine Directorate. This will principally be in relation to marine renewables but may also relate to other marine construction activities, marine conservation, and other policy areas
• Represent MS at external meetings regarding these issues
• Maintain good communication with Marine Directorate colleagues and external stakeholders
• Provide people management where required within the organisational structure

1. A comprehensive understanding of marine fish ecology and research.
2. A proven track record in marine fish ecology research and an ability to critique scientific methods and results.
3. The ability to work independently with good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise work and manage projects.
4. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including the ability to explain scientific concepts to varied audiences, particularly to other professionals.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Philip Boulcott
• Email : Philip.boulcott@gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : scottishgovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot