Seasonal Aquatic Ecologist (Laboratory Assistant) - Southampton University

Whether you're looking for your first ecology role or want to build experience in a specialist field, this is a chance to get involved in meaningful environmental work from day one.

About The Opportunity

• We're looking for enthusiastic Seasonal Aquatic Ecologists to join our laboratory team based at Southampton University.

• Working alongside experienced aquatic ecologists, you'll help process ichthyoplankton samples collected from locations across the UK. Through training and support, you'll develop specialist skills in laboratory analysis while contributing to projects that support environmental compliance and sustainable development.

• You'll become part of Jacobs' Water and Environment business, where we help clients address some of today's biggest sustainability challenges, including climate resilience, renewable energy, environmental management and protecting natural resources.

• Typical activities will include

  • Processing and analysing ichthyoplankton samples
  • Working independently to deliver high-quality laboratory outputs
  • Using microscopes and established identification techniques
  • Supporting biological data collection and ecological surveys when required
  • Contributing to quality-assured environmental assessments

• While the role is primarily laboratory-based, there may also be opportunities to join fieldwork activities with our wider aquatic ecology team across the UK.

Here's what you'll need

Essential

• A genuine interest in ecology, aquatic environments or environmental science
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn
• Ability to work independently following training
• Full UK driving licence
• Right to work in the UK
• Flexibility to stay away from home for up to four nights per week when supporting fieldwork

Desirable

• Degree (completed or in progress) in Ecology, Marine Biology, Environmental Science or a related subject
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Experience using microscopes or biological identification keys
• Interest or background in marine or aquatic ecology

Ready to Dive In?

If you're passionate about the natural world and want to gain practical experience with a team that's helping shape a more sustainable future, we'd love to hear from you.

We're recruiting NOW and looking for people who can start as soon as possible, with interviews being arranged on a rolling basis.

• Apply today and spend your summer building specialist ecology skills, working with experts, and making a real impact on the environment.

• Jacobs offers hybrid working and a standard 40-hour working week

• Good luck with your application

Joining Jacobs

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees.

With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we’ve gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You’ll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you’ll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we’re more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging. Find out more about our Jacobs Employee Networks here.

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As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work.

Your application experience is important to us, and we’re keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.