Aquaculture Development Officer – Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd (SAIC)

Job Title:

Aquaculture Development Officer Organisation:
Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd (SAIC)

Reports to:

Principal Officer / CEO

Job Title: Aquaculture Development Officer
Organisation: Sustainable Aquaculture Innovation Cluster Ltd (SAIC)
Reports to: Principal Officer / CEO
Final date to receive applications:31st August 2026
Salary:Up to £42,000

As SAIC is a standalone independent organisation
, the Aquaculture Development Officer will play a vital role in delivering SAIC’s mission to accelerate sustainable innovation and strengthen collaboration across Scotland’s aquaculture sector. Working at the intersection of industry, academia, and public funding bodies, the post holder will help shape, develop, and deliver high‑impact innovation and research activities that address key challenges and opportunities within the sector.

The Aquaculture Development Officer will act as a trusted partner to SAIC’s consortium members and external collaborators. The role requires strong relationship‑building, sector insight, and the ability to convert opportunities into well‑defined, meaningful projects that drive real value for industry and research partners.

The Aquaculture Development Officer will support the development, coordination, and management of innovative aquaculture projects and partnerships. Reporting to the Principle Officer / CEO, the post holder will:

• Build strong relationships across industry, academia, and funding landscapes
• Identify development opportunities, emerging themes, and potential collaborative projects
• Support project scoping, funding proposals, and early‑stage concept development
• Contribute to SAIC’s growing project pipeline and wider innovation strategy
• Represent SAIC externally and support the promotion of innovation outcomes
• Engage actively with partners to ensure projects deliver measurable impact

This role is suited to an individual with aquaculture knowledge, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and a proactive, solutions‑driven approach.

• Sector Engagement & Partnership Development
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with SAIC consortium members and external partners.
• Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders seeking collaboration opportunities.
• Support the growth of SAIC’s network through events, workshops, and proactive engagement.
• Identify opportunities for impactful innovation partnerships.
• Innovation Development & Opportunity Scoping
• Monitor sector trends, challenges, and technological developments.
• Identify innovation needs and opportunities that align with SAIC’s strategic priorities.
• Horizon‑scan for public and private funding sources suitable for collaborative projects.
• Support partners through the development of proposals and project concepts.
• Project Coordination & Oversight
• Support internal colleagues in managing governance and process requirements for projects.
• Liaise with the Project Support and Finance teams to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
• Monitor project progress, risks, and operational challenges, escalating where necessary.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
• Communication & Knowledge Exchange
• Represent SAIC at industry and academic events, meetings, and conferences.
• Prepare or contribute to presentations, briefing papers, summaries, and project outputs.
• Work alongside SAIC’s Knowledge Exchange and Communications teams to disseminate impact.
• Promote SAIC’s activities and showcase successful project outcomes.
• Contribution to SAIC’s Organisational Development
• Support continuous improvement of operational processes and systems.
• Contribute to planning and team discussions, offering insights on sector developments.
• Uphold and actively demonstrate SAIC’s organisational values: support, agility, integrity, and collaboration.

• Minimum two years’ experience in the aquaculture sector, either in industry or research.
• Strong understanding of the aquaculture ecosystem, trends, and innovation opportunities.
• Proven relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong communication skills — both written and verbal.
• Ability to…