Aquatic Systems Technician (NATIH)

The University of Stirling is hiring an Aquatic Systems Technician responsible for supporting research projects related to aquaculture engineering and aquatic biology. Key duties include designing, maintaining systems for experimental fish, managing water quality, and ensuring compliance with health and safety protocols. The role requires a degree in biological sciences or engineering, experience in aquaculture systems, and knowledge of fish health and welfare practices.
The Post

The post holder(s) will be responsible for conducting a range of services and delivering across a number of research projects and objectives. The post holder will support academic and contract research needs and help achieve future business opportunities. They will have knowledge of aquaculture engineering and aquatic biology, ensuring the smooth functioning of NATIH systems. Responsibilities include designing, developing, maintaining and managing equipment and specialising in various aquaculture systems including flow through and RAS. The post holder(s) will support the Manager of NATIH providing advice on the restrictions and opportunities for modifying the facility and/or systems to accommodate researcher needs and assist the manager in monitoring current infrastructure requirements.

Description of Duties

Key Duties and Responsibilities
• Design, construct and maintain systems for stocking and working on experimental fish
• Installation and maintenance of pumps, filters and similar hardware needed for smooth functioning of aquaculture systems
• Regular maintenance and repair of various systems of the aquaculture facilities – piping/plumbing/electricity/construction and equipment service schedules
• Maintain day-to-day husbandry of fish stocks and invertebrates to ensure compliance with best practices in animal health and welfare
• Completion of records, reports and statistics relating to numbers, stock levels and performance
• Monitor and manage water quality control systems
• Support researchers and students in the delivery of their research projects as instructed
• Work as part of a team based at the NATIH facility to deliver on its strategic requirements
• Work with Property Management to ensure compliance of facility systems
• Provide 24hr support and call-out cover for fish welfare

Regulatory compliance
• Implement Health and Safety, Security, Biosecurity, animal welfare and quality protocols as required
• Hold and carry out the duties of a Home Office ASPA Personal Licence Holder as required

Training and skills development
• Support the Manager of NATIH in distributing technical skills across the skill base, ensuring resilience and shared knowledge are developed
• Input as and when required into the Learning and Teaching activities of the Institute
• Support the development of postgraduate students in experimental design and the care and welfare practices of freshwater species

Essential Criteria

Qualifications
• Degree or equivalent level qualification in biological sciences or engineering
• Suitable experience in a relevant field

Knowledge & Experience
• Proven work experience as an Aquacultural Engineer or similar role
• Strong understanding of engineering principles and aquatic biology
• Ability to learn and work in an environment that combines technology and biology
• Experience in recirculating aquaculture systems including water quality management
• Awareness of biosecurity practices and protocols relating to animal research facilities
• A knowledge of flow through and recirculation processes
• Awareness of water quality environment to promote healthy thriving fish
• Knowledge of all parameters relating to fish health and welfare

Skills & Attributes
• Complete understanding of the biology of salmonid lifecycles and other marine species
• Extensive knowledge of fish husbandry and tank rearing systems
• Plan and oversee the day-to-day technical/engineering requirement of the NATIH facility
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team
• Attention to detail in order to prevent fish losses and contribute to the delivery of high-quality research for academic colleagues and external clients
• Hold a full driving licence

Desirable Criteria

Qualifications
• Postgraduate degree in aquaculture or biological sciences
• Experience working in an animal research or aquaculture environment
• Proven technical experience scientific or technical specialism, with a basic understanding of the technical/scientific theory

Knowledge and Experience
• Experience of working with a number of marine and freshwater species
• Experience of Oxyguard Commander operations
• Experience of out of hours and on call provisions
• High degree of computer literacy
• Understand legislation and how to implement this

Skills and Attributes
• Good communication skills with all stakeholders
• Proactive with problem solving skills to adapt and refine working practices

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 21 May 2025.
Interviews are expected to take place week commencing Monday 09 June 2025.

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

For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances.

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

Faculty of Natural Sciences

The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, Psychology and the Institute of Aquaculture. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland’s International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.

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.

More Information about the National Aquaculture Technology & Innovation Hub:

National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub | About | University of Stirling

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 1,800 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

Job Reference: FAC02034