Apologies for cross-posting; please forward to suitable students and anyone else who might be interested
We are seeking a highly motivated graduate or PhD in Psychology or Marine Biology / Ecology / Environmental Science to work with different stakeholders on our MARLISCO project. You will have experience of undertaking research projects including data collection, analysis and producing reports. You will have knowledge of research methods including experimental approaches, of the principles and determinants of behaviour change, and an ability to work independently and to deadlines. You need to be able to write research reports to a high standard and for scientific peer review. Good interpersonal and verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to show initiative. The FP7-funded MARLISCO project seeks to raise societal awareness of both the problems and the potential solutions relating to marine litter. A major objective is to understand and subsequently facilitate societal engagement in order to inspire changes in attitudes and behaviour. MARLISCO aims to engage key stakeholders with an interest in, or responsibility for, some aspect of reducing the quantity of litter entering the ocean. Activities will take place across 15 European countries, including national debates involving industry sectors, scientists and the public, a European video contest for school students, educational activities targeting the younger generation together with exhibitions to raise awareness among the wider public.
Work in Plymouth will be led by Prof Richard Thompson and Dr Sabine Pahl. Prof Thompson is an expert on marine debris, has published widely on the topic and advised on relevant policy at national and international levels; he contributed to the MSFD task on marine litter. He has considerable experience with EU funded projects including THESEUS, EUROROCK, DELOS and MARBEF. Dr Pahl works extensively on understanding perceptions and behavioural change. Prof Thompson and Dr. Pahl currently have a joint ESRC/NERC studentship on the interplay of human and biological factors regarding use of the marine environment.
The specific objectives for the Plymouth team are to conduct a systematic stakeholder survey mapping perceptions and attitudes towards issues surrounding marine litter (problems and solutions), to provide detailed examples of best practice that could be used to reduce quantities of marine litter, to evaluate the effectiveness of specific outreach activities and educational materials to inform good practice for science-in-society interactions and to enhance our understanding of the factors that determine stakeholder engagement in science-in-society interactions in order to provide recommendations for future activities.
Job title Associate Research Fellow on Human Behaviour relating to Marine Litter
Job reference A2665
Application closing date 08/07/2012
Location Plymouth, UK
Salary £27578 to £30122 pa, – Grade 6
Contract Type Full-time, Fixed-term for 32 months; to start August / September 2012
I’m happy to answer any questions but please apply online through http://www.plymouth.ac.uk/pages/view.asp?page=38322
2012-06-22