The Post

The Institute of Aquaculture, School of Life and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is seeking to appoint a Senior Lecturer (Teaching and Research) in aquatic animal health with an emphasis upon disease transmission and treatment. The post is open to scientists applying innovative approaches across the field of aquatic animal health with emphasis upon host-pathogen interactions and their relationship with the underpinning physiology. The research focus includes the development and application of state-of-the-art disease models and relevant laboratory-based techniques to improve health management and production performance in established, emerging or new candidate species for aquaculture.

The post holder will be expected to deliver internationally excellent publications, demonstrate clear research leadership, provide strong outputs for the next Research Excellence Framework (REF) period, and contribute to a strong research culture. Similarly, the candidate will be expected to deliver high quality teaching and supervision to UGs, PGTs and PGRs. We are interested in receiving applications from those already working in aquaculture research or closely related fields, who are using and have significant experience of flow-through challenge and recirculation aquaculture systems (RAS). The post holder will be expected to use and benefit from application of our newly commissioned, state of the art, £22 million National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub (NATIH) facilities in Stirling, and our Marine Environmental Research Laboratory facilities in Machrihanish, Argyll and Bute.

We are seeking applicants who have an excellent research record and are established research leaders in their field. Candidates who are active researchers in areas such as aquatic disease, microbiology and immunology aimed at unravelling host-environment and/or pathogen interactions and molecular regulation are especially encouraged to apply.

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Professor Monica Betancor (m.b.betancor@stir.ac.uk).

This post is offered at a Grade 9 (Senior Lecturer) level, though for exceptional candidates there may be a consideration to appoint at Grade 9 (Associate Professor) level.

Description of Duties

Engage in individual and collaborative research of international standard, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, establish a distinctive programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings
Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
Supervise research students as required, providing direction, support and guidance
Lead on, or contribute to the leadership within, the subject area on undergraduate and postgraduate programmes
Design, teach and assess a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including online/digital programmes where required
Contribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports a research-led approach to student learning
Develop and apply effective and appropriate teaching and learning techniques and material, which create interest, understanding and enthusiasm amongst students
Mentor, support and advise colleagues, as appropriate, to assist in their academic career development in teaching and learning and research
Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities e.g. delivery of teaching, contribution to joint programmes and recruitment of students
Lead, participate in, and develop networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the School/Faculty/University
Carry out administrative processes of the School/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of students
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

The Associate Professor criteria can be found on the link below.

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

PhD in relevant discipline

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

A considerable track record of high-quality published research with demonstrable
proficiency in relevant animal models supported by laboratory and analytical skills in areas such as, infection, host-environment and/or host-pathogen interactions and comparative immunology, the design and application of disease challenge models relevant to aquaculture
A record of securing and leading research grants / external funding and delivering on successful research projects
Detailed plans for the active pursuit of external research funding in animal studies and the development of impact case studies
Experience of supervising dissertation projects across the range of undergraduate/ postgraduate and of supervising doctoral students
Experience of providing high quality teaching across a range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level preferably including online/digital programmes
Proven experience of programme leadership including experience of designing and delivering course modules
Experience of providing academic leadership and of successful co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others
Evidence or knowledge to support international activities

The Associate Professor criteria can be found on the link below.

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications

Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent.
Hold Fellowship or Senior Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Have extensive experience of research leadership at a relevant institution or
organisation
Evidence of collaborative research with other institutions and the aquaculture industry
Evidence of training in HO regulation (or equivalent) relevant to ASPA
Be familiar or have experience of working with salmonids
Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and
learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning
Evidence of programme innovation and development
Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
Evidence or knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

The Associate Professor criteria can be found on the link below.

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 21 June 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on the week commencing Monday 29 June 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2311.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills
Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

The Institute of Aquaculture

We are a global leader in aquaculture research and teaching, supporting the development of aquaculture worldwide. In REF2021 the Institute ranked first in the UK for impact in the field of Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science with 100% of its research having outstanding impact. Our world-class researchers pioneer aquaculture as a solution to the challenges of feeding a growing global population. We’re driven by our belief in aquaculture helping to create a world without hunger. Our expert staff, facilities and networks make us the first choice for research partners from across the globe. We have academics working across research groups focused on reproduction, genetics, aquatic animal health and welfare, nutrition, production systems, environments, markets, and social and economic impacts. We have collaborative research and training partnerships and links with many other leading academic institutions, and industry partners throughout Europe and overseas. We also offer a long-established and successful research service to support the development of new technology. The recent City Deal investment will provide four aquatic research facilities to cover the full range of marine environmental conditions.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland’s International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk
@stiruni

Job Reference: FAC02116

University of Stirling

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