PDRA Aquatic Ecotoxicology (D25/26.LH)
Location: SAMS, Oban
Contract Type: Fixed term - 24 months
Working Pattern: Full Time - 37 hours per week – Monday to Friday
Salary Range: Grade 5 £31,396.00 - £34,980.00 pa. Grade 6 £37,099.00 - £41,732.00 pa
Closing date: 7th April 2026
About SAMS
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, delivering marine science for a productive and sustainably managed marine environment through innovative research, education and engagement with society.
Based near Oban on the Scottish west coast, our marine research and teaching portfolio is diverse in topic and discipline, global in outlook, project locations and relevance, and delivered by a SAMS team with can-do attitude working in partnership with academic, business, government, regulatory, voluntary and civic society colleagues.
SAMS is a charitable organisation (009206) with a membership that elects the Board members following a recruitment process. It is also a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in Scotland (SC 009292) and operates two wholly owned subsidiary companies: SAMS Enterprise - a specialist marine consultancy - and SAMS Ltd. It is an academic partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands.
The Role
We are hiring a PDRA to work on a newly funded UKRI project. We will be looking at the various ways that Calanus copepods can transport pharmaceuticals and other contaminants through the food chain, eventually to the human diet. This PDRA role will be focused on ecotoxicology experiments; we will establish a culture of Calanus in the SAMS aquarium and run exposure experiments for a range of contaminants. Observations will be made on the effects of these contaminants on survival, behaviour, and molecular changes. This is an exciting opportunity to work on a highly interdisciplinary project with colleagues across the UK.
Ideal Candidate
SAMS are looking for someone with experimental aquatic research experience, ideally in a research aquarium setting. The role will also involve fieldwork on small research vessels. Due to the interdisciplinary nature of the project, experience in working across disciplines would be an advantage.
The work will require exceptional laboratory skills as well as a high level of competence in data analysis and presentation, scientific writing, and the communication of key findings at project meetings and larger conferences.
There will be opportunities for teaching and student supervision at undergraduate and postgraduate level; experience in teaching and education is a benefit but not essential.
What SAMS Offer
SAMS offer many benefits to support staff year round, such as:
Flexible & hybrid working options and purchase of additional annual leave
Shopping discounts
Cycle 2 Work scheme
Purchases of technology through salary sacrifice
Payroll Giving and Pensions Plus
Access to portals to support health and wellbeing
A sabbatical scheme
Free car parking with access to electronic charging points as well as access to a number of training & development courses.
How to Apply
Please submit the following to recruitment@sams.ac.uk:
A brief cover letter quoting Job Ref. ‘D25/26.LH’ in the subject heading
Closing date for application is 7th April 2026 - Interviews to be held on 27th April 2026.