Restoration Forth Research Associate

• Work with Lochside Associates to modify license sites for spat on shell.
• Apply for permission for experimental units at intertidal sites.
• Licenses & permissions for translocating larvae from EU hatchery.

• Liaise with suppliers to choose appropriate biosecure & disease screened broodstock.
• Coordinate with MCS to organise biosecurity events.

• Carry out Remote setting trial using purchased larvae.
• Plan any deploy experimental and control units at intertidal site
• Carry out on-going monitoring to estimate survivability and cost-effectiveness at site
• Coordinate with MCS to bring volunteer groups

• Review broodstock nutrition & conditioning practices
• Review Larval nutrition
• Review setting of larvae

• Plan dive operations at subtidal sites
• Coordinate with MCS to bring volunteer groups to intertidal sites.

• Coordinate with potential shell suppliers.
• Manage purchase and transport of shell.
• Coordinate with SEPA for authorisation.

• Monitor condition, weight, size of incoming broodstock

• Monitor broodstock in ponds
• Develop and implement evidence-based nutrition plan

• Monitor larvae in ponds
• Develop and implement evidence-based nutrition plan

• Monitor ponds and process
• Implement international advice
• Adapt conditions as needed to optimise spat success

• Investigate & plan nutrition systems for increased capacity
• Investigate & plan settling system for increase capacity
• Investigate & plan long term broodstock management

• Coordinate with MCS and other project partners
• Organise specialist speakers

• Cork, Netherlands, LLB
• Coordinate larval supply and specify translocation protocols
• Work with NS, FHI, etc for import and biosecurity clearance

• Network and collaborate with other restoration projects to ensure best practice, consistency and a coordinated effort to restore oysters in Scotland
• Attend and present at relevant international conferences

• Facilitate opportunities for Heriot-Watt students (projects/volunteering)
• Provide research/ career development opportunities for interns

• Consult with UK and international experts (NORA/Native Oyster Network)
• Summarise academic and applied findings
• Publish findings

1. A strong academic record with a Post Graduate degree in Marine Sciences or a similar discipline (PhD or equivalent). 
2. Data handling using databases, spreadsheets, GIS and statistical packages. 
3. Ability to work well as part of an interdisciplinary team and to show initiative. 
4. Experience in aquatic animal husbandry, biosecurity, aquarium management. 
5. Meticulous approach to scientific work 
6. A high level of competence in SCUBA diving including an appropriate level of diving qualification for compliance with the UK Diving at Work Regulations (CMAS 3*; Dive Master, Dive Leader etc). 
7. A full UK driving license or equivalent qualification that would enable driving on UK roads and therefore access to field and laboratory locations. 
8. Experience of scientific writing and fluent in English 
9. Willingness to spend time working away from home. 
10. Good communication and interpersonal skills 
11. An enthusiasm for the marine environment and conservation 
12. Reasonable fitness level –there will be a need to move equipment or work long hours or at sea in response to tidal cycles that are physically demanding. 
13. Willingness to undertake fieldwork and to join near-shore boat work. 

1. Experience of work at sea and on the shore 
2. Experience of R 
3. Experience of marine monitoring 
4. A track record of generating outputs from scientific information and research 
5. EDI statement 

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing their interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV  

Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on Friday 25 September 2026.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised, and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. 

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our university community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information, please see our website https://www.hw.ac.uk/uk/services/equality-diversity.htm and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers https://disc.hw.ac.uk/ . 

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options. 

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