Staff Scientist – Aquaculture & Animal Welfare
About Ace Aquatec:
Ace Aquatec is an award-winning aquaculture technology company developing innovative, welfare-first solutions for the global aquaculture industry.
Our technologies include in-water electric stunning systems, marine mammal protection solutions, biomass estimation technology and sea lice removal systems. Our aim is to accelerate the adoption of responsible marine practices, helping our customers operate more efficiently, ethically and sustainably.
About the role:
We’re looking for an organised, curious and tech-savvy Staff Scientist to join our team, working primarily alongside our in-water electric stunner research team.
This is a hands-on scientific role with a particular focus on animal welfare research and the use of electroencephalography (EEG) and/or other neuroimaging techniques. You’ll take an active role in designing and delivering research trials, collecting and analysing high-quality scientific data, interpreting findings and communicating results through technical reports, case studies and scientific publications.
You’ll work across both controlled research environments and commercial settings, collaborating with colleagues across Ace Aquatec as well as external partners including universities, research institutes and commercial aquaculture sites.
The role will involve travel to research and project locations, including international travel.
What you'll be doing:
As our Staff Scientist, you will:
- Design, plan and carry out research trials involving aquatic species, including trials to establish and validate parameters for in-water stunning systems.
- Design and conduct EEG, neurophysiological and behavioural studies to assess animal responses and welfare outcomes.
- Collect, process and analyse high-quality EEG and/or animal behaviour data.
- Interpret experimental findings and identify scientifically significant trends and outcomes.
- Apply robust scientific methodologies to ensure research is accurate, repeatable and appropriately documented.
- Prepare clear, high-quality internal technical reports and scientific case studies.
- Contribute to the preparation and publication of peer-reviewed journal articles and other scientific outputs.
- Translate complex scientific findings into clear conclusions that can support product development and decision-making.
- Maintain accurate records of experimental methodologies, data, analysis and results.
- Work collaboratively with colleagues across our Research & Development, Operations and Digital teams.
- Build effective working relationships with external collaborators, including universities, research institutes and commercial aquaculture partners.
- Support the development of Ace Aquatec's scientific knowledge and evidence base around animal welfare and humane stunning.
- Travel to project and research locations in the UK and internationally as required.
What we're looking for:
We’re looking for a capable scientist who combines strong technical expertise with a practical approach to experimental research. You’ll be comfortable taking ownership of scientific work while collaborating with colleagues from a range of technical and non-technical disciplines.
You’ll ideally have:
- A PhD in Aquaculture, Neurobiology, Animal Physiology, Zoology or another relevant scientific discipline, or equivalent research experience.
- Practical experience of collecting and analysing EEG data, in any species.
- Experience of designing, conducting and interpreting scientific experiments or research trials.
- Strong data collection and analytical skills, with a commitment to scientific rigour and accuracy.
- Practical fieldwork experience.
- Experience of analysing animal behaviour and/or physiological responses.
- Strong scientific and technical writing skills.
- Experience preparing research reports, scientific papers or other technical publications.
- The ability to interpret complex scientific findings and communicate them clearly to different audiences.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple research activities and priorities.
- A collaborative approach and confidence working across multidisciplinary teams.
- Willingness and ability to travel internationally for research trials and projects when required.
It would be great if you also have:
- Previous experience within aquaculture or aquatic animal research.
- Knowledge or experience of animal welfare science.
- Knowledge or practical experience of humane slaughter or stunning methods in any species.
- Experience conducting EEG or neurophysiological research in aquatic species.
- Experience working on collaborative research projects involving universities, industry or research institutes.
- A track record of contributing to peer-reviewed scientific publications.