Ocean Career: Bangor University Biological Oceanography Research Lecturer

ECO Posted On November 16, 2023

The School of Ocean Sciences has an international reputation in multi and interdisciplinary research in the areas of earth system science, climate change and marine conservation and resource management. Over 95% of our outputs were ranked as world leading or internationally excellent in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.

Bangor’s research is changing the world in Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences and is 1st in the UK for the impact of its research. With one of the largest groups of environmental scientists in the UK, our research is ranked sixth in the UK and 1st in Wales for research power.

Applications are invited for the permanent, full-time post working in the School of Ocean Sciences, College of Science and Engineering.

The successful candidate will be expected to develop their own program of research in Biological Oceanography, actively contribute to the School’s interdisciplinary ethos, and utilize the wide range of expertise available throughout the School, College, and wider University. Working locally, regionally, and internationally, the postholder will build links with Welsh and UK-wide industry, coastal communities and governments, and international organizations to inform policy development and sustainable resource management. The successful candidate will develop and maintain a research portfolio, supervise postgraduate research students, and can take advantage of the School’s world-class breadth of research equipment. This includes state-of-the art laboratory facilities, a fleet of small boats, and the RV Prince Madog , a 35 m offshore research vessel which distinguishes Bangor amongst UK Universities.

Teaching and administrative duties will include research and teaching of marine science at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels across a range of modules. The post will involve teaching students about fundamental aspects of biological oceanography, including but not limited to the functioning of the marine biological carbon pump, basic ecosystem modelling, bio-physical interactions, and biogeochemistry.

The successful candidate will be educated to PhD level in Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology or related subject.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible.

Research ranges from Marine Biology and Ecology, Aquaculture and Fisheries through to Earth

The School wishes to strengthen teaching and research in Biological Oceanography. The ocean’s role as an anthropogenic carbon sink is intrinsically linked to the functioning of the marine biological carbon pump. These biological processes are tightly coupled to the physical and chemical forcing of the warming ocean, making the marine biosphere a herald of climate change. The successful candidate will study how different species, from plankton to charismatic megafauna, respond and adapt to their environments. This requires an understanding of species development and the ability to predict their resilience or vulnerability to climate change and hence, future distribution and regime shifts.

• To teach at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including tutorials and supervision of research projects.
• To conduct research of an international standard in Biological Oceanography, with substantial evidence of quality and international peer recognition.
• To develop and maintain research networks and collaboration with stakeholders in government and industry in relation to aspects of Biological Oceanography.
• To provide pastoral and academic support to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• To conduct administrative tasks as designated by the Head of School.

Teaching duties will include:

• Plan, prepare and deliver lectures and tutorials, responding effectively to a variety of student backgrounds, learning styles and class sizes.
• Motivate students to proactive engagement in learning and provide meaningful and constructive feedback on the quality of their work.
• Keep abreast of new professional, educational and related social, economic, and technological developments.
• Supervise undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
• Act as personal tutor to undergraduate and postgraduate students.
• To participate and plan the development of new teaching and learning materials.
• To initiate and take forward the development of new programs.

Research duties will include:

• Personal research, and/or collaborative research with colleagues in the School, across the College, University and externally.
• Secure funding for and build a research team conducting research in Biological Oceanography.
• Management of research projects including PhD supervision. Disseminate and publish results of research in high quality peer-reviewed journals.
• Work towards developing world leading research impact.
• Contribute towards the School’s capability to attract diverse sources of external research funding.
• Engage in scholarly and other relevant professional activities.
• Supervision of research students and research assistants.

Administrative and Wider Contribution duties will include:

• Participate in the student recruitment and induction procedures of the School (e.g., School and University Open Days).
• Contribute to the promotion and external profile of the School.
• Contribute to the School’s management and participate in the administration of undergraduate and postgraduate programs (e.g., organization of exams and contribute to accreditation/QA procedures (if module coordinator).
• Contribute to the marketing of programs by participating in School and College link activities and other marketing initiatives.
• Undertake an active role in mentoring less experienced members of staff within the College/School.
• Undertake other administrative duties and responsibilities as directed by the Head of School (e.g., membership of School boards and task groups, addressing/supporting undergraduate and post graduate student experience, peer review of student research proposals, contributing to community engagement).

• The post holder will be expected to participate in performance review and developmental activities.
• The post holder will be expected to comply with the University’s equality policies and statements, Dignity at Work and Study Policy and the University’s Welsh Language Scheme.
• The post holder will have a general and legal duty of care in relation to health, safety and wellbeing and must take all reasonable steps to ensure a safe and healthy working environment for themselves and for other members of staff, students and visitors affected by their actions or inactions. The post holder is also required to comply with all applicable health and safety policies, procedures and risk assessments.
• The post holder must comply with relevant legal and financial policies and procedures and be aware of their responsibilities in terms of the legal requirements of their post.

Qualifications/Training

• E1: PhD in a Biological Oceanography, Marine Biology or related subject.
• E2: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education (PGCertHE) or equivalent OR Recognized by the HEA as a Fellow / Recognized by Advance HE as a Fellow against Descriptor 2 of the UKPSF OR some teaching experience and willing to work to achieve the PGCertHE or HEA Fellowship within the first two years of employment.
• D1: Professional accreditation OR Graduate Diploma / Certificate in a relevant subject area.

Experience/Knowledge

TEACHING

• E3: Capability to effectively teach a wide range of topics in Ocean Science, with a focus on Biological Oceanography.
• D2: Experience of teaching in the laboratory and/or field (including small boat/ship-based work).
• D3: Experience of module development and delivery in higher education.
• D4: Experience of supervising undergraduate and postgraduate projects.
• D5: Evidence of contribution to the wider student experience e.g., in recruitment/retention initiatives, in employability/enterprise initiatives, student welfare.

RESEARCH

• E4: Experience of the fundamentals of Biological Oceanography.
• E5: Proven experience in evaluating the distribution and development of life in the ocean and the processes driving it, through data collection, modelling, or through synthesis of literature.
• E6: An understanding of how life in the ocean affects processes such as the global carbon cycle, and how ocean ecosystems respond to climate change and other environmental factors.
• E7: Proven ability to develop and lead research teams.
• E8: Track record of research excellence in Biological Oceanography demonstrated by high-quality publication in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations commensurate with experience.
• E9: Proven ability to attract external funding for research.
• D6: Experience in practical oceanography and ocean observation from small boats and ships, and data modelling.
• D7: Demonstration of experience of effective stakeholder, policy, government, and industry engagement.
• D8: Having worked in interdisciplinary settings.

• E10: Ability to demonstrate innovative and exciting approaches to teaching and research.
• E11: Ability to lead and work effectively as part of a team, to prioritize workload and work to deadlines.
• E12: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• E13: Experience of conducting administrative duties efficiently and effectively.
• E14: Demonstrable numeric and general computer skills.
• E15: An understanding of the bilingual nature of the institution and the area, candidates will be expected to work positively in a bilingual environment.
• D9: Evidence of successful external networking and profile-raising.
• D10: Administrative and organizational experience, related to academic development or equivalent.
• D11: Experience in using R, Matlab, GIS.
• D12: The ability to communicate through the medium of Welsh. If applicants are not able to speak/write in Welsh at present, there are many opportunities to learn if the successful candidate wishes to do so.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor and Menai Bridge. Through our Dynamic Working framework, there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

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