The European eel is critically endangered, and generating new understandings on its continental life stages is crucial to the recovery of populations. As Postdoctoral Research Assistant on the externally funded CRISIS project, you will lead research uncovering the ecology and demography of glass eels and elvers in rivers across southwest England.
You will lead fieldwork and laboratory research investigating eel dispersal, trophic ecology, age and growth, and parasitology. Using otolith microstructure, you will assess age and growth rates, while stable isotope analysis will help reveal the trophic relationships and movements of glass eels and elvers entering these rivers. The role also offers opportunities to support project delivery, coordinating research and project management tasks with internal colleagues and external partners.
You will hold a PhD (or be close to completion) in fish ecology, aquatic biology or a closely related discipline. You will be capable of completing fieldwork in lowland rivers and upper estuaries, and detailed laboratory analyses, ideally with experience in otolith microstructure and stable isotope methods, and hold a driving licence. A strong publication record appropriate to your career stage is advantageous, alongside excellent organisational skills and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
For further and informal discussions, please contact the project’s Principal Investigator, Professor Robert Britton ([email protected])
This post is available on a fixed-term basis until 31/03/2029.