Research Associate, Biology, Research Scientist

Research Associate Grade 7 Job Purpose

To lead and deliver the biological and physiological components of the Fish, Fishers and Finances project, generating high-resolution data on stress, welfare, metabolism and survival of ornamental fish across the Amazonian supply chain, and translating this into welfare‑enhancing practice. The role involves extended periods of fieldwork in the Brazilian Amazon.

• Lead field-based biological sampling across the Amazonian ornamental fish supply chain (capture, holding, transport, export), including water quality, behavioural and physiological data collection.
• Implement and refine welfare indicators including waterborne cortisol, reflex‑based vitality scores (RAMP-style), ventilation rate, behaviour and colour change.
• Run and analyse laboratory experiments simulating capture, handling, crowding, air exposure and transport stressors using intermittent‑flow respirometry and behavioural assays.
• Integrate longitudinal cohort data (WP1) with controlled experiments to identify welfare bottlenecks and mechanisms.
• Work with Amazonian partners to ensure biological protocols are field‑robust, culturally appropriate and transferable to fishers.
• Provide biological input to WP2 intervention trials, including experimental design, data interpretation and feedback to communities.
• Contribute biological parameters (mortality, recovery, stress, survival) to the project’s bioeconomic and fisheries models (WP3).
• Publish high‑impact papers on ornamental fish welfare, stress physiology and trade sustainability. Supervise and train MSc and MRes students contributing to the project.
• Support ethical approvals, animal welfare documentation and field biosafety compliance.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria below. Applications which do not address the essential criteria as requested will not be progressed.

• Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
• PhD in animal physiology, fish biology, aquaculture, veterinary science, behavioural ecology, or a closely related life‑science discipline.
• Detailed theoretical and practical knowledge of fish stress physiology, welfare biology, or whole‑animal performance.
• Knowledge of ethical and regulatory frameworks for working with live animals in research (e.g. Home Office, institutional or international equivalents).
• Understanding of how environmental stressors (e.g. handling, hypoxia, temperature, crowding, water quality) affect fish physiology and behaviour.

• Formal training or certification in animal welfare, laboratory animal science, or aquatic animal husbandry.
• Knowledge of ornamental fish, tropical freshwater species, or small‑scale fisheries.
• Familiarity with bioenergetics, metabolic theory, or ecophysiological modelling.

• Ability to design, implement and interpret controlled experiments involving live fish, including physiological and behavioural measurements.
• Competence in at least one physiological or welfare measurement technique (e.g. respirometry, cortisol or other stress biomarkers, behavioural assays, reflex tests, ventilation rate, colour change or similar).
• Strong quantitative and data‑handling skills, including experience using R, Python, or equivalent software for statistical analysis and visualisation.
• Ability to work safely, accurately and independently in a laboratory or field setting with live animals.
• High‑level organisational and record‑keeping skills, including maintaining experimental logs, metadata, and sample tracking.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills for interdisciplinary…