Experimental Research Assistant – Aquaculture
Who we are
Ace Aquatec is an award-winning aquaculture technology company specialising in welfare-first in-water electric stunners, marine mammal protection devices, biomass estimation and sea lice removal systems. We help customers thrive by making their operations efficient, ethical and sustainable.
About the role:
We’re looking for a practical, curious and tech-savvy Experimental Research Assistant to join our team. Working primarily alongside our in-water electric stunner research team, you’ll help plan and deliver research trials involving aquatic species, collect high-quality experimental data and contribute to the analysis and reporting of findings.
This is a hands-on role that combines practical fieldwork with scientific observation and data collection. You’ll have the opportunity to work on research ranging from early-stage experimental trials through to commercial-scale studies, while collaborating with colleagues across Ace Aquatec and external research partners.
There will also be opportunities to contribute to projects across our wider technology portfolio.
What you'll be doing:
As our Experimental Research Assistant, you will:
- Support and carry out research trials involving aquatic species, including trials to establish parameters for in-water stunning systems, commercial trials and behavioural observation trials.
- Collect accurate, consistent and scientifically rigorous experimental data.
- Undertake behavioural observations and analysis, including the review and analysis of video footage.
- Identify and highlight interesting trends, observations and findings arising from experimental work.
- Support the analysis and interpretation of research results.
- Contribute to the preparation of clear, high-quality internal technical reports.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental methods, observations and results.
- Support the preparation and set-up of equipment for experimental trials and fieldwork.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across our Research & Development, Operations and Digital teams.
- Work with external partners where required, including commercial aquaculture sites, universities and research institutes.
- Travel to project and trial locations as required.
What we're looking for:
We’re looking for someone who enjoys practical scientific work, has strong attention to detail and is comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
You’ll ideally have:
- A PGDipSci, MSc or MRes in Aquaculture, Environmental Science, Marine Science, Zoology, Ecology or another relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent practical experience.
- Experience of carrying out experimental trials and collecting robust, reliable data.
- Practical fieldwork experience.
- Experience of observing and/or analysing animal behaviour.
- Good organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Confidence working with technology and learning new research tools and equipment.
- The ability to communicate scientific observations and findings clearly.
- A collaborative and practical approach to problem-solving.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites when required.
It would be great if you also have:
- Previous experience within aquaculture or aquatic animal research.
- Knowledge or experience of animal welfare and/or humane slaughter methods.
- Experience of behavioural or video analysis.
- Strong scientific or technical report-writing skills.