Research Technician
Research Technician
- Posted 25 March 2026
- Salary Grade 6 £33,951 - £37,694 per annum
- End date 08 April 2026
- LocationGlasgow
- Job Type Technical And Specialist
- Reference195533
- Expiry 08 Apr 2026 23:45
Job description
Job Purpose
Project Context
The LIFE CIBBRINA project is a multi-national initiative aimed at reducing the incidental bycatch of Endangered, Threatened, and Protected (ETP) marine species across the North Atlantic, Baltic, and Mediterranean regions ( https://cibbrina.eu/about/). As a scientific partner the University of Glasgow leads critical assessment frameworks within the project's monitoring and mitigation toolbox.
Role Overview
We are seeking to appoint a Research Technician to help progress the development of a harmonised database for collating and sharing bycatch and stranding information on marine mammals and ETP species. The postholder will be responsible for scoping and implementing phases of an online, web-accessible database to enable the collation and interrogation of data at the temporal and spatial scales required to support the project's designated case studies.
Candidate Profile
Applicants should possess demonstrable familiarity with marine mammal bycatch investigations. Experience in pathology or stranding response would be a distinct advantage
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
To lead the development of a harmonized process for sharing marine mammal and ETP species stranding data. This role is responsible for scoping an online, web-accessed database that allows for the collation and assessment of data at the temporal-spatial scales required to support the project’s specific Case Studies.
- Database Scoping & Design:Define the technical requirements for an online database that enables multi-country data collation, ensuring it meets the specific monitoring needs of project case studies.
- Data Harmonization:Develop and implement standardized protocols to harmonize strandings data from diverse national sources, ensuring consistency across different marine regions.
- Stakeholder Engagement:Coordinate with participating countries and regional organizations (such as IWC, ICES or ASCOBANS) to facilitate their transition to and active use of the central database.
- Technical Lead:Work closely with the project’s central data hub to ensure the strandings database is integrated into the broader project assessment framework.
Agreed Deliverables
-
A comprehensive report concluding the feasibility of the online database and detailing the proposed architectural process.
-
Successful deployment of a pilot web-accessed platform, with evidence of use by participating consortium countries and relevant regional bodies.
-
A formal report describing the harmonized data-sharing protocols established for the project.
Qualifications & Experience
-
Academic Background: MSc or equivalent experience in marine biology, fisheries science, or ecological data management
-
Experience in developing assessment toolkits for ETP species and managing large-scale marine datasets.
-
Familiarity with the conservation status of marine species in the North-East Atlantic and the technical challenges of bycatch estimation.
In addition, the following tasks will be required:
1. Support database development and integration within wider SMASS initiatives, including the European Strandings Database.
2. Contribute to pathological and epidemiological coding and data entry of necropsy reports.
3. Conduct a review of current knowledge relating to marine mammal bycatch diagnosis and assist in developing improved metrics and methodologies to diagnose bycatch based on pathology data.
4. Assist in developing and maintaining digital content and tools to promote and enhance the online presence and accessibility of the SMASS programme.
5. Provide general operational support for SMASS, including participation in the on-call strandings coordination rota, assistance with necropsies, sample processing, and archiving.
6. Manage and maintain technical and data resources to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and compliance with institutional and project requirements.
7. Collaborate with internal and external partners to advance the research aims of SMASS and to contribute to broader strategic goals of the University of Glasgow and associated research networks.
8. Undertake any other relevant duties as directed by the PI that are commensurate with the grade and nature 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.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience
Knowledge & Qualifications
Essential
A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 8 [Scottish Vocational Qualification level 4, Higher National Diploma] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar role.
A2 Significant breath or depth of technical knowledge and recognised as an expert in the relevant discipline.
A3 Up to date knowledge of relevant legislative requirements applicable to the role, including by not limited to Health and Safety.
Desirable
B1 Degree or equivalent in relevant discipline desirable.
B2 Working towards Professional Registration with relevant body.
Skills
Essential
C1 Demonstrable specialist technical skills aligned to the specified discipline or research project. Details of the discipline/project are as described in the post-specific information and advert.
C2 Significant IT skills, including proficient user of relevant specialist or bespoke software packages.
C3 Significant analytical and problem-solving capability, including high degree of accuracy and attention to detail when dealing with complex data
C4 Proven interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to understand, conceptualise and interpret technical requirements of a research group and adapt own style to meet the needs of others
C5 Excellent teamworking skills and where relevant to the post, supervisory or line management skills.
C6 Ability to plan and prioritise a broad range of technical work to meet competing demands.
Experience
Essential
E1 Significant relevant work experience within a similar research environment, including evidence of previous outputs and professional development.
E2 Experience of understanding and interpreting complex technical requirements of service users and implementing appropriate methods of achieving their needs.
E3 Experience of managing budgets, including approving spends and monitoring outgoings on behalf of others.
E4 Experience of operating independently in progressing and delivering research goals within set timescales.
Additional Information
Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our Athena Swan Silver award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education. The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/
The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) has 8 Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation. More information on the College can be accessed here: MVLS College Futures 2033
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum.
This post is full time and open ended with funding available for up to 15 months.
Informal enquiries should be directed to Andrew Brownlow at Andrew.Brownlow@glasgow.ac.uk
The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.
Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing date: 23:45 on Wednesday 8th April 2026