PDRA in Environmental Economics (D07/25.ECC)

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 3 May 2026
LOCATION
Oban
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£34,980 / year
CATEGORY
Science & Research
This role is not offered with visa sponsorship, though the employer is a licensed UK sponsor

SKILLS

Environmental Economics Financial Mechanisms for Conservation Seaweed Protection and Restoration Research and Peer-Reviewed Publications Interpersonal and Communication Skills Project Management and Organisation Ability to Travel Internationally Interdisciplinary Collaboration

FULL DESCRIPTION

PDRA in Environmental Economics (D07/25.ECC)

Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Environmental Economics to join the Global Seaweed-SUPERSTAR project. This is a 12-month, full-time position based in Oban, UK, with a salary range of £31,396 - £34,980 per annum. The role involves assessing financial mechanisms for seaweed restoration, contributing to policy outputs, and attending an international workshop in Indonesia. Visa sponsorship is not available.

The Role

You will support the Lead Principal Investigator in delivering the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) Global Seaweed-SUPERSTAR grant, with a specific focus on WP3 (Task 3.4): Upscaling seaweed protection and restoration and identifying sustainable financial solutions. The role will involve conducting a comprehensive assessment on financial mechanisms that could be used to fund the expansion of seaweed protection and restoration globally, contributing to the UN Seaweed Breakthrough and other high-quality research outputs, including a policy brief, and leading the publication of findings in high-impact journals. You will also represent SAMS at an international workshop in Indonesia in 2026.

See project details: GlobalSeaweedSUPERSTAR

Our Ideal Candidate

We are ideally seeking candidates with a PhD in a relevant subject area with some experience of publishing their research in peer-reviewed, high-impact journals. However, we are also open to applications from candidates with an MSc with relevant work experience as well as evidence of some prior experience of peer-reviewed publications.

  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and oral
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within an interdisciplinary team
  • Excellent organisational and time management skills at project level
  • Must be able to travel for project meetings in the UK and an international workshop in Indonesia (typically short trips of up to one week)
  • Proactive attitude and willingness to learn new skills
  • Understanding of economic mechanisms used in financing conservation or restoration initiatives

Employee Benefits

Our relatively small, caring community is an ideal environment for making friends, forming collaborations, and supporting each other to do the work that we really care about. Oban and surrounding areas provide a fantastic base to live and work, and we offer a wide range of employee benefits, support and inclusive culture, making SAMS a great place to work.

  • Flexible & hybrid working options
  • Purchase of additional annual leave
  • Shopping discounts
  • Cycle 2 Work scheme
  • Technology salary sacrifice
  • Payroll Giving, Pensions Plus
  • Health and wellbeing portals
  • Sabbatical scheme
  • Free car parking with electric charging points
  • Training & development opportunities

How to Apply

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [contact hidden] quoting Job Ref. ‘D07/25.ECC’ in the subject heading. Closing date for applications is 12th August 2025. Interviews to be held shortly thereafter.

Please note, we are unfortunately unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position as we will require someone to start work on the project by early-October 2025.

Full details: Job Description (DOCX) | Job Description (PDF, Accessible)

About Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS)

The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society. Learn more: sams.ac.uk

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