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Overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a charity-funded position studying the impact of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) on seabirds. HPAI has caused mass mortality of birds around the globe in recent years, but its impact on seabird populations is hard to quantify. The overarching goal of this project is to use long-term data from a study of common guillemots Uria aalge to determine the impact of HPAI on guillemot survival at different life stages, and to model the effect of the observed vital rates on population dynamics.
You will work within the vibrant research environment working in a collaborative network that includes Professor Emeritus Tim Birkhead, Professor Dylan Childs and Professor Ben Hatchwell (PI). There will be opportunities to visit Skomer Island to understand and contribute to the process of data collection.
Applicants must have a PhD (or be working towards a PhD) in a quantitative biology discipline and a proven track record of research using statistical modelling in R to tackle ecological questions. Theoretical and practical knowledge of population ecology is also essential.
Main duties and responsibilities
- To use statistical modelling of long-term data to understand annual variation in the survival rates of individually marked guillemots at different life stages.
- To identify the impact of environmental and epidemiological factors on measured survival rates.
- To apply appropriate methods for the development of population models that describe population trajectories over the past 40 years.
- To develop predictive models of the impact of HPAI on future population trajectories under alternative epidemiological and environmental scenarios.
- To demonstrate initiative in developing research plans and in the management of day-to-day research tasks.
- To prepare material for presentation in oral formats and present findings in seminars and at conferences.
- To draft publications, prepare them for submission and submit publications to refereed journals.
- To prepare regular internal reports (as agreed) and contribute to reports for submission to research sponsors.
- To demonstrate a commitment to achieving results and disseminating them to the scientific community.
- To work alongside the PI and other colleagues in a collegiate manner and build rapport within the team and the wider faculty.
- To promote the reputation of the research group, faculty, and the university as a whole.
- Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
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 criteria
- Have a PhD (or close to completion) in a quantitative biology discipline (Application)
- A proven track record of research using statistical modelling in R to tackle ecological questions (Application/Interview)
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of population ecology (Application/Interview)
- Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, report writing skills, experience of delivering presentations (Application/Interview)
- Excellent data management skills, with appropriate IT experience (Application/Interview)
- Ability to develop creative approaches to solve problems (Application/Interview)
- Ability to plan and progress work activities autonomously and in a timely manner
- Experience of working as part of a collaborative team (Application/Interview)
Desirable criteria
- Knowledge of seabird life histories and population biology (Application/Interview)
- Experience of using Capture-Mark-Recapture models to estimate survival rates (Application/Interview)
Further Information
Grade: 7
Duration: Two years (available from 1 April 2024)
Line manager: Professor of Evolutionary Ecology
Direct reports: None
For informal enquiries about this job contact Professor Ben Hatchwell (Principal Investigator) at b.hatchwell@sheffield.ac.uk
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks of the closing date. This will consist of a research presentation followed by an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the closing date. If you are shortlisted for interview and require any reasonable adjustments please contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
- A minimum of 41 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.
- Generous pension scheme.
- 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 development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
- Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
- A range of generous family-friendly policies
- paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
- support for those going through the menopause
- paid time off and support for fertility treatment
- and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.