The Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), located on the Dunstaffnage Marine Science Peninsula in Oban, Scotland, United Kingdom, invites applications for its Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) Positions and Funded PhD Studentships in Marine Biotechnology and Seaweed Aquaculture for the 2026–2027 academic cycle. Established in 1884, SAMS is one of the world’s oldest independent oceanographic institutes and a world leader in macroalgae cultivation, algal bioproducts, and marine ecosystem dynamics.
Program Overview: Seaweed Science & Marine Biotechnology at SAMS
Macroalgae and marine microalgae represent one of the most promising frontiers for the sustainable global blue bioeconomy. SAMS hosts unique international research infrastructure, including the Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP)—housing over 3,000 living strains of marine and freshwater protists—the SAMS Seaweed Academy, experimental offshore macroalgae farms, and the Centre for Marine Biotechnology. Researchers develop advanced biorefinery pipelines, investigate algal epigenetics, and evaluate the carbon mitigation potential of seaweed farming.
| Program Parameter | Fellowship Details |
|---|---|
| Host Institution | Scottish Association for Marine Science (SAMS), Oban, Argyll, Scotland, UK |
| Academic Partner | University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) & NERC Doctoral Training Partnerships (SUPER DTP) |
| Fellowship Tracks | 1. Postdoctoral Research Associates (PDRA) in Marine Biotechnology & Algal Bioreactors 2. Funded 3.5 to 4-year PhD Studentships in Seaweed Cultivation & Marine Ecology |
| Remuneration / Stipend | PDRA: £36,000 – £43,000 per annum (Grade 6/7 scale + pension) PhD: UKRI standard tax-free doctoral stipend (~£19,237+/year) + full tuition fee waiver |
| Infrastructure Highlights | Culture Collection of Algae and Protozoa (CCAP), Seaweed Academy, Marine Robotics Centre, Research Vessels (Calanus & Seol Mara) |
| Recruitment Window | Autumn 2026 / Winter 2027 intake (Project calls and DTP student competitions) |
Key Research Areas & Priority Projects
- Macroalgae Hatchery & Offshore Cultivation: Spore isolation, gametophyte cryopreservation, and offshore longline farming techniques for commercial European kelps (Saccharina latissima, Laminaria digitata) and red seaweeds (Palmaria palmata).
- Marine Biorefineries & Protist Metabolomics: Under the European Marine Mass Cascade (MaMaCas) initiative, upcycling marine food and seafood processing side-streams into high-value lipids, carotenoids, and biostimulants using heterotrophic marine protists.
- Seaweed Biosecurity, Pathogens & Microbiomes: Epidemiology of algal diseases (e.g., endophytic pathogens and epiphytic bacterial biofilms) and developing biosecurity frameworks for European mariculture.
- Blue Carbon & Ecosystem Services of Seaweed Farms: Quantifying carbon drawdown, environmental nitrogen/phosphorus bioremediation, wave attenuation, and benthic habitat enhancement provided by macroalgal aquaculture.
- Cryopreservation & Algal Genetic Resources: Optimizing vitrification protocols for rare and commercially significant algal germplasm within the CCAP biobank.
Eligibility Criteria
- For Postdoctoral Positions (PDRA): Ph.D. in Marine Biotechnology, Phycology, Marine Biology, Biochemical Engineering, Microbial Ecology, or a closely related discipline. Demonstrated expertise in algal cultivation, bioreactors, metabolomics, or molecular genetics, evidenced by high-impact peer-reviewed publications.
- For Doctoral Studentships (PhD): A First or Upper Second Class (2:1) Honours Bachelor’s degree and/or a Master’s degree (M.Sc. / M.F.Sc.) in Marine Science, Aquaculture, Plant/Algal Biology, Biochemistry, or Oceanography.
- Language Proficiency: Non-native English speakers must satisfy UK student visa English language requirements (IELTS 6.5 minimum overall with no sub-score below 6.0). International candidates are eligible for competitive scholarships.
How to Apply
Applications for Postdoctoral positions should be submitted via the SAMS online recruitment portal with a cover letter, full academic CV, and contact details of two academic referees. Prospective PhD candidates should consult the SAMS postgraduate research admissions portal for project listings, eligibility instructions, and supervisor contact guidelines.
Official SAMS Vacancies Page: SAMS Official Careers & Vacancies Portal
SAMS Postgraduate Research & PhD Opportunities: SAMS Postgraduate Education & Doctoral Programmes