Employment Opportunities

SMRU Instrumentation designs, builds, and sells advanced biologging and telemetry systems used by marine researchers around the world. Based at the Scottish Oceans Institute, University of St Andrews, we are a small, specialist team at an exciting stage of development — expanding our range of instruments and growing collaborations across the global research community.

Positions within SMRU Instrumentation are employed through SMRU Consulting, a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of St Andrews.

Current Opportunities

Research Scientist & Technical Support Specialist

Full-time, Permanent  |  Scottish Oceans Institute, St Andrews  |  Employed by SMRU Consulting

This is a new post created to strengthen the interface between SMRU Instrumentation’s engineering capability and its scientific user base. The Research Scientist is the primary point of contact for tag users worldwide — managing customer relationships from initial order through to deployment support and publication — while maintaining an active research profile in biotelemetry.

This position is open until filled with an ideal start date of 7 September 2026.

Key responsibilities include:

• Monitoring data quality across active tag deployments and developing analysis protocols and tools
• Providing expert advice to end-users on data analysis, processing, and interpretation
• Managing customer relationships from enquiry through deployment and post-deployment follow-up
• Contributing to research publications and representing SMRU Instrumentation at international conferences
• Leading the group’s social media presence and community outreach

Essential requirements:

• PhD in marine biology, ecology, oceanography, or a closely related field, with substantial involvement in animal telemetry or biologging
• Demonstrated ability to analyse telemetry datasets and develop analysis tools or workflows
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including a track record of scientific publication
• Strong organisational skills and experience managing multiple concurrent projects and stakeholders

Download Full Job Description (PDF)

Instrumentation Technician

Full-time, Permanent  |  St Andrews, Scotland  |  Employed by SMRU Consulting

The Instrumentation Technician is responsible for the assembly, encapsulation, and testing of SMRU Instrumentation’s biologging tags, and for the diagnosis and repair of faults. You will work as part of a small, close-knit production team, building high-value instruments deployed in demanding field conditions on marine animals around the world. Precision and meticulous quality control are fundamental to everything we do.

This position is open until filled.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assembling and integrating electronic and mechanical tag components to defined build specifications
• Encapsulating finished assemblies using epoxy resin systems under vacuum
• Carrying out functional and performance testing at all stages of production, including sensor calibration
• Diagnosing and repairing faults at component level, including SMD rework
• Maintaining accurate test records and supporting continuous improvement of production processes

Essential requirements:

• Proven practical experience in electronics assembly, including PCB assembly, soldering (surface mount and leaded), and component-level repair
• Experience using electronic test and measurement equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, etc.)
• Ability to follow technical documentation — build procedures, test protocols, wiring diagrams — accurately and consistently
• Meticulous attention to detail and a systematic approach to fault-finding

Download Full Job Description (PDF)

How to Apply

To apply, please send a CV and cover letter to [email protected]. Your cover letter should explain your interest in the role and how your experience meets the requirements set out in the job description.

SMRU Consulting is committed to equality of opportunity in employment without discrimination on any grounds. SMRU Consulting is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of St Andrews, a charity registered in Scotland (No: SC013532).