Charity registered in Scotland SC009206
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation and pioneering charity, delivering marine science for a productive and sustainably managed marine environment through innovative research, education, and engagement with society.
Our people are at the heart of what we do, and our amazing team of passionate, skilled and creative staff are working together to deliver our shared vision of ‘An Ocean in Balance’.
We are seeking four new Trustees to join us in 2023 drawn from the following backgrounds: marine science, environmental communication. risk/compliance, legal and finance. Candidates must work effectively with the Senior Management Team – providing both challenge and support. Access into new philanthropic or commercial networks will be welcome.
Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years. The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in committee meetings, is approximately 10 days per annum. Whilst most meetings will be face-to-face in Oban, some sub-committee and Board meetings will be virtual.
Are you fascinated by the marine world? Would you like to use your skills, creativity and energy to help us improve knowledge of the marine environment and promote its importance and value? Are you interested in widening your horizons? If any of these apply to you, you might just be the person we are looking for to join our Audit Committee.
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS) is a marine research organisation, founded in 1884, and one of the world’s oldest oceanographic institutions. Based on the west coast of Scotland, near Oban, SAMS is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee.
We are committed to:
- The creation of new knowledge about the marine environment through undertaking world leading and innovative research;
- The dissemination of that knowledge, not only through inspirational formal educational programmes, with our principal partner, the University of the Highlands and Islands, but also the enhancement of societal awareness through our public engagement activities;
- Using our knowledge to provide solutions for the ethical and sustainable use of marine resources, both in our local environment and internationally.
SAMS research spans the breadth of marine science, tackling the Grand Challenges facing the World today. We work on diverse interdisciplinary research questions, focusing on three major challenges:
- To discover the physical and biological processes that drive the marine environment
- To describe and quantify how coastal environments respond to ever-increasing pressures
- To develop a sustainable blue economy.
We are seeking new MEMBERS to join the SAMS Audit Committee commencing in early 2023.
Individuals are sought who can contribute to, or have experience of one or more of the following:
- Clear demonstration of the ability to operate strategically, most likely through previous strategic/board-level experience; preferably previous experience in an audit role.
- Senior executive or Board level background in legal, financial and/or compliance would be particularly welcome.
- Senior operational role in a university, research or third sector organisation.
- Experience in marine, environmental, education or related sectors.
- An ability to work strategically and collaboratively at a senior level with experience of corporate governance.
These positions are unremunerated. Appointments will be for an initial three-year term that may be extended for up to a further three-years. The minimum time commitment, including preparation for and participation in formal committee meetings, is approximately four days per annum. Recent experiences have shown that virtual meetings can be very effective and it is likely these will continue. However, should travel expenses be incurred these will be reimbursed.
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Benthic Biogeochemistry
- Full time
- £40,927 – £56,587
- SAMS, Oban
- Closing 3rd August 2022
The Role
You will be a key player in driving forward SAMS programme of discovery and applied research in the area of marine benthic biogeochemistry/benthic processes.
You will be expected to engage with both existing SAMS research and commercial projects, but also develop your own funding streams over time and to contribute to SAMS programme of education at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
You will use your experience in the design and application of laboratory/field experimentation, working with mathematical modellers, and/or using your own experience in numerical model development, to implement your findings into real-world applications, particularly in relation to aquaculture and its potential environmental impacts. Contributing, for example, biogeochemical understanding to the further development of marine aquaculture impact models such as “New DEPOMOD”.
Our Ideal Candidate
You will have a PhD in marine biogeochemistry/benthic processes.
The successful candidate will have experience in at least one of the following areas: benthic impacts of marine aquaculture, benthic biogeochemical processes including impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbance, interactions between benthic biogeochemistry and benthic ecology, benthic-pelagic coupling and impacts of natural and anthropogenic disturbance.
Experience in or understanding of numerical modelling is also desirable.
This position would be an ideal opportunity for a candidate with interest in or, experience of, working with the aquaculture industry.
Lecturer/Senior Lecturer in Marine Social Science
- Full time
- £40,927 – £56,587
- SAMS, Oban
- Closing 3rd August 2022
The Role
You will be a key player in driving forward SAMS programme of discovery and applied research in marine and coastal social-ecological systems.
You will be expected to engage with both existing SAMS research and commercial projects as well as develop your own funding streams over time and to contribute to SAMS programme of education at undergraduate and post-graduate levels.
A key aspect will be to contribute to the further development of social science research in Blue Growth industries such as aquaculture, marine renewable energy, fisheries, and other rural economies such as tourism.
Making a positive contribution to the sustainable development of maritime communities around the world, and position SAMS as an internationally leading exemplar of fruitful policy-academic-industry partnership working.
Our Ideal Candidate
You will have a PhD in Marine Social Science, Sustainability or Regional Studies, Sustainable Environmental Management, Environmental or Ecological Economics or related field.
A broad knowledge of international policy relating to sustainability goals, action research, social and environmental valuation, and social impact assessment with a proven track record of high-quality publications (REF3/4* standard).
About us
The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS sams.ac.uk) is Scotland’s largest and oldest independent marine science organisation, generating new knowledge for the benefit of the marine environment and society since 1884. Our vision is to secure healthy and sustainable oceans, and our world-leading research spans the globe from our home in Oban to polar and tropical seas.
The Head of Development is a new position, created at an exciting and important moment in SAMS' history. Now more than ever, the world’s oceans are acknowledged as a resource to be nurtured and a key to addressing the global climate emergency. From our ground-breaking seaweed farms to our deep-sea robotics, SAMS is at the forefront of Scottish, UK and international marine research, teaching and enterprise.
In recent years, we have begun to invite philanthropic donors into the SAMS family, to join and support us on our mission to achieve healthy and sustainable oceans. We are now ready to launch a dedicated development programme which will grow new support from corporate donors, charitable trusts and individuals who share our passion for ocean science.
The role
This is an unrivalled opportunity to contribute to the research vital to healthy and productive seas and oceans that support life on Earth. We are looking for an enthusiastic and highly motivated individual to lead, develop and implement our development programme. You will establish the infrastructure and nurture the necessary skills and culture across SAMS to create a successful development programme. Your primary focus will be to build a major gifts programme, engaging with companies, trusts and individuals, but you will also develop other fundraising initiatives, as appropriate. The role will be fully embedded in the organisation, reporting to the SAMS Director and the Board of Trustees, and working closely with the senior leadership team. The Board of SAMS has a track record of strong public engagement and communication, actively supported by the executive team, which will be a great asset to the development programme.
Qualifications, Skills and experience
The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive experience of major gift fundraising and donor stewardship. You will have raised gifts of six figures and above, preferably from a range of donors including trusts, corporate donors and individuals. A sound grasp of fundraising strategy is essential, and you may have experience of building a development programme from the ground up. Exceptional interpersonal skills will be needed, including tact, diplomacy and discretion, and the ability to think on your feet. You will have strong influencing and negotiating skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, and a keen attention to detail. A scientific background would be helpful but is not essential.
You will hold a degree qualification or equivalent in experience.
You may have a qualification in or have completed relevant CPD training in fundraising and/or be a member of a sectoral body such as the Institute of Fundraising.
You will have a sound knowledge of the principles of ethical fundraising, and the legal requirements associated with data protection and privacy.