Research Assistant in Seabird Monitoring

Overview

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant for a project in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology research cluster in the School of Biosciences. Our group is interested in the dynamics of seabird populations and the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza. The project will involve intensive monitoring of the survival and productivity of common guillemots on Skomer Island, Wales, during their breeding season.

The project is funded by charitable donations and led by Professors Ben Hatchwell and Tim Birkhead.

Duties will include intensive observations of a colony of guillemots to identify colour-ringed birds, regular and systematic searches of other locations around the island for colour-ringed birds, and monitoring of productivity of a sample of pairs at the main study colony. Additional duties may arise according to unpredictable developments during the field season. The Research Assistant will be responsible for day-to-day organization of fieldwork tasks to fulfil these duties.

The Research Assistant will maintain frequent contact with the PIs, liaising with them to ensure efficient and rigorous collection of field data.

Applicants must have a BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline. Previous experience in field ornithology, experience of rigorous collection and handling of numerical data, the ability to work well in groups and independently, and knowledge, understanding and experience of safe fieldwork practice are essential.

• Routinely work flexibly on weekdays and at weekends to carry out systematic monitoring activities.
• Re-sighting and recording of colour ringed birds at the main study colony and at other colonies on the island to enable an estimate of adult survival.
• Record timing of breeding and breeding success in a sample of breeding pairs at the main study colony.
• Count the number of adult guillemots at the main study colony on three equally spaced days during a specified census period.
• Record attendance at colonies following a systematic protocol.
• Record chick diet: fish species and size.
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn t match perfectly with this role s criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.

Essential Or Desirable

Stage(s) assessed at

BSc or MSc (or equivalent experience) in a relevant biological discipline

Application

Experience in field ornithology: observation of wild birds and ability to read and record accurately colour ring details.

Application / Interview

Experience of recording, managing and handling data to ensure rigorous entry into a database.

Application / Interview

Knowledge, understanding and willingness to follow guidelines in safe fieldwork practice.

Application / Interview

Effective written and verbal communication skills: report writing, developing relationships and working successfully with other researchers.

Application / Interview

Excellent organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise and plan own workload to agreed protocols and deadlines.

Application / Interview

Ability to develop creative approaches to problem solving and adapt own skills to new circumstances.

Application / Interview

Enthusiasm for biological research in a remote island setting.

Application / Interview

Prior experience of living in remote locations in a small community.

Application / Interview

Experience of working in rough terrain.

Grade

6

Work arrangement

Full-time (35 hours per week)

Duration

Fixed term from 8 April 2026 to 8 August 2026

Line manager

Principal Investigator (Ben Hatchwell, Professor of Evolutionary Ecology)

Direct reports

None

Our website

School of Biosciences

For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ben Hatchwell (Professor of Evolutionary Ecology) at

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. Contact biosci if you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments.

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision:  (opens in a new window).

• A minimum of 38 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
• Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
• A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
• A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal…