Fisheries Science Advisor

Internal:

• Report to and work closely with the Head of Insights and Supply Chain Intelligence to deliver fisheries science programmes aligned with wider support for UK seafood stakeholders.
• Line management responsibility of Fisheries Engagement Officer, providing day-to-day leadership and support.
• Work collaboratively across other internal teams within the organisation to support communication, coordination, and information sharing.
• Work with the Fishing Gear Innovation Manager to connect gear innovation with fisheries management and science.

Knowledge, skills and experience required

Technical and scientific expertise

• A degree in fisheries science, marine biology or a related discipline, with relevant post-qualification experience in research, data analysis, management or policy. Postgraduate level preferred.
• Strong fisheries science expertise, including stock assessment methods, ecosystem-based management and critical evaluation of scientific advice.
• A proven track record of applying scientific evidence to fisheries management, policy or research programmes.

Research, analysis and evidence synthesis

• Analytical and research skills, with the ability to interpret complex datasets, models, and scientific outputs.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesise evidence and translate it into clear, actionable insights for decision-making.
• Experience designing and developing high-quality research proposals and securing or managing funded projects.

Communication and influencing with impact

• Demonstrable ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to non-technical audiences, including policymakers and stakeholders.
• Highly developed report-writing skills, producing clear, authoritative and policy-relevant guidance.
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders and building consensus.

Policy and stakeholder engagement

• Sound understanding of fisheries policy development processes and the integration of scientific evidence into policy frameworks.
• Experience working at the science–policy interface, supporting evidence-based decision-making.
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective networks across industry, government and scientific communities.

Project and programme management

• Strong project management capability, including planning, prioritising and delivering multiple workstreams with minimal supervision.
• Experience leading or contributing to complex projects from concept through to delivery and evaluation.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage workload effectively and meet competing deadlines.

Professional and operational competence

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Access and Word, plus data management and collaboration tools such as SharePoint and Teams. Experience with relevant analytical or statistical tools.

Experience of the following would be advantageous:

• Familiarity with aquaculture practices, regulatory frameworks and processes related to aquaculture would be desirable.
• Experience of working across academia building links to support policy development and implementation.
• Willingness to travel, including fieldwork and stakeholder engagement activities; full driving licence advantageous.

Every role at Seafish is linked to our bespoke competency framework. The competency levels for this role are:

• Growing Expertise – Creates a learning and development environment
• Embracing Change – Leads and supports others through change
• Building Relationships – Builds effective teams to deliver corporate strategy
• Achieving Results – Builds effective teams to deliver corporate strategy
• Influencing with Impact – Communicates complex messages

Salary and benefits

This role sits within Job Family C in our pay structure, with a starting salary of £41,000. Appointment level depends on the experience a candidate brings; new candidates normally start at the lower end unless they demonstrate considerable relevant experience.

Additional benefits include:

• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and wellbeing break when the organisation closes between Christmas and New Year (3 additional days).
• Optional five days per year paid volunteering leave for an activity of your choice.
• Trust and Performance culture – you work in a way that suits you to get your work done to the expected standard.
• A generous employer pension scheme – we'll double your contribution up to a maximum employer contribution of 10%.
• Health and wellbeing benefits including Cycle to Work, Techscheme, life insurance, wellbeing support, gym discounts and eye care.
• Unlimited 24/7 employee assistance support, offering confidential, impartial advice on work, family, finances or personal matters.
• A professional development culture with plenty of learning opportunities.
• Rewards for high performance each year.

Application process

To apply for the post, you should email your application to Recruitment@Seafish.co.uk. Please include “Fisheries Science Advisor” in the subject line of your email.

Your application should include:

• A covering letter or a short video explaining why you are a suitable candidate.
• A recent copy of your CV so we can find out more about your skills and experience.
• A completed copy of our recruitment consent form.

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 August 2026. *

• We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy ahead of the advertised closing date if sufficient applications are received.

Candidates invited to interview will be given at least one week’s notice of proposed interview date to allow you to prepare. At this stage you might be asked to complete a task in advance of interview and then answer some competency-based questions during interview. If you need any accommodations or adjustments during our recruitment and selection process, please reach out to us.

While we welcome applications from candidates around the world, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK.

Further information

For any queries about the job description or the salary and benefits on offer, please email Recruitment@Seafish.co.uk.