MarLIN Research Assistant
The Marine Biological Association
Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week) with remote working considered.
The role
The MBA is recruiting a short-term Research Assistant to join the current team updating the MarLIN ‘Marine Evidence based Sensitivity Assessments’ (MarESAs) for marine habitats around the coasts of the British Isles. The project will update the evidence base used to underpin and inform the marine environmental advice supplied by the UK SNCBs (Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies).
The position is desk-based and involves detailed literature review and synthesis, the application of the sensitivity assessment process, and the preparation of review material for dissemination via the MarLIN website. The role would suit candidates interested in pursuing a career in environmental consultancy, marine conservation, and/or science communication.
The post holder will report directly to the MarLIN Project Manager. The position is fixed term, full time, for three months from 4 January until the end of March 2027. We are undertaking a rapid recruitment exercise. The successful candidate will need to be in position by 4 January 2027, however, an earlier start can be accommodated.
Minimum qualifications required are a relevant post graduate degree and/or relevant marine experience.
Essential Skills
- Knowledge and experience of marine ecology and UK marine habitats and species.
- Knowledge of taxonomy and biology sufficient to understand where to find information on marine species and the meaning of technical terms describing their biology.
- Familiarity with online literature search tools (e.g. WoS, SCOPUS etc) and relevant subject area (e.g. marine ecology, ecotoxicology).
- Demonstrable ability to collate and synthesise literature quickly and accurately.
- Demonstrable ability to critically appraise, extract, record and summarize the relevant evidence quickly and accurately (to the quality standards in place).
- Demonstrable ability to write concise and accurate text for reports and (ideally) the web.
For more information on the role please see the Job Description
Salary and benefits
- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
- Sick pay
- Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
- Cycle to work scheme
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to enhance all that we do.
How to apply
Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk quoting reference 1026RAHTW. You will need to provide three things to apply:
- Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
- CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
- Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. If providing a share code, please also include your date of birth. Your application will not be considered without this information.
* Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Applicants without the right to live and work in the UK are not eligible to apply.
For further information, please look at the project website https://www.marlin.ac.uk and/or contact Dr Harvey Tyler-Walters htw@mba.ac.uk.
Interviews will take place the week beginning 23 November 2026.
Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert early if a high volume of applications is received.