Job Description

The Post

The Institute of Aquaculture at the University of Stirling has been awarded funding through Open Philanthropy to develop an Asian Fish Welfare Network (AFWN) which supports research, training and communication activities that build capacity at individual and institutional levels towards improved fish welfare practices throughout the aquaculture value chain in Asia. This three-year project builds on similar prior funding for the project "Improving Farmed Fish Welfare in Asia" (2022-25), which focused on activities in Thailand and Vietnam. The new AFWN project will continue in the current countries and expand into Indonesia.



The Project Manager will play a key role in the delivery of the project, working closely with the Project Lead and Project Steering Group, supporting the Project Research Coordinator and any other staff who may be employed for specific expert inputs. The post will be supported with a 50% FTE Administrator position.



The Project Manager will ensure the project operates effectively with robust governance and financial management whilst also engaging creatively and supportively with academic, policy, commercial and non-government organisations in the target countries to achieve the project objectives and deliverables.

Description of Duties

Manage project resources and activities under the Project Lead to ensure delivery of objectives effectively and on time, in line with University of Stirling financial, ethical, and other policies. Ensure records are maintained and financial management complies with University Financial Regulations, and that research activities are approved by the relevant Ethics Board Prepare and maintain a project risk register, focusing on regulatory, ethical, and reputational issues in target countries, and funder requirements and regulations in the USA and UK Provide the Project Lead, Steering Group, and funder with progress, budget, and monitoring reports as required Manage the promotion and development of the Asia Fish Welfare Network as a member-based initiative, aiming to formalise it as a sustainable independent entity by project end Manage calls for fundable research projects from international and national organisations, including review and selection procedures In collaboration with the Research Innovation and Business Engagement Team, conduct due diligence on partner organisations selected for funding Work with the Contracts team to create suitable contracts for managing partner-led research through sub-awards or supplier agreements Monitor and report on progress, taking action to ensure deliverables are met, validated, and invoices properly raised and evidenced Build strong working relationships with academic and administrative staff of partner organisations to identify and resolve issues promptly Participate in capacity building by developing and delivering strategies for information sharing, coordination, and collaboration among partner organisations and sub-projects Working with partner organisations as appropriate, manage the organisation and running of training, policy, outreach or other types of workshop and short events, mainly in Thailand, Vietnam and Indonesia. This will include management of budgets and payments to local partners including contracts where required, invitation and registration lists, promotion and publicity etc Working with the Project Lead and Project Steering Group, develop international exchange and mentorship schemes, strategies for their promotion and implementation and detailed management procedures including required contracting and budget arrangements Lead development of branding and promotion strategy for the Project and Network, ensuring regular press releases, blog articles, videos, and social media content Work with the MSc Course Director and Learning and Teaching Coordinator, manage recruitment and support of six MSc students from eligible Asian countries for Institute of Aquaculture programmes and in-country research Work with the Project Lead to implement team management systems, including meetings, communication, and documentation of decisions, actions, and outcomes Provide management and administrative support to the Project Research Coordinator Where appropriate, represent the project leadership at local, national, and international meetings and events, including in Asia Support the Project Lead and academic staff in developing and writing future related project proposals

Essential Criteria

Degree level qualification or equivalent education Highly developed interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of colleagues across academic institutions and industry Excellent project management skills, and experience of managing large projects, preferably in a research or higher education setting and with international partners including those from Southeast Asia Availability to make regular visits to Asia of up to 10 days duration Excellent skills in communicating effectively at all levels, both orally and in writing, with the ability to communicate using a wide range of styles appropriate to different individuals, groups and situations Excellent initiative, negotiation, persuasion and problem-solving skills and the ability to develop and implement solutions Proven experience working with international partners Highly organised with the ability to work with strong attention to detail, accuracy and within specified deadlines Proven ability to: + Demonstrate an understanding of complex business, research and policy requirements and the priorities of different stakeholders + Work autonomously and effectively organise workload
+ Analyse and provide reports from data
+ Contribute to productive team working
IT skills, including proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office 365 and social media

Desirable Criteria

Professional training in project management, ideally a formal project management qualification, such as PRINCE 2 Capacity to use grant management software such as https://flexigrant.com/ Educated to post graduate level in a relevant subject area Working in a similar role in higher education, research organisation or industry. Work experience in Asia, particularly Thailand, Vietnam or Indonesia Marketing experience

Additional Information

Part time (80%FTE)

Fixed term until 31 July 2028



47,389 - 56,535

p.a. pro-rata

The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 03 December 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances under SOC Code 2440



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us

The Institute of Aquaculture is a division of the Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) which also encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and Mathematics, and Psychology. FNS is a distinctive academic arena where new fundamental understandings of the complex and challenging inter-relationships between human behaviours, technologies, biological and environmental systems are created, explored and tested. The most recent national assessment of research - REF2021 -confirmed that 80% of our research is classed as world leading and internationally excellent. It is supported through UK Research Councils, European Union and a range of research charities We work with businesses and public service organisations both at home and overseas to achieve direct and positive outcomes for society across a range of critical problems. Substantial investment aligned with the City, Region, and Growth deals is supporting major new infrastructure developments linked to the Faculty including Scotland's International Environment Centre and the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub.



The Institute of Aquaculture's mission is to tackle food security, hunger and sustainability through aquaculture - and to be a global leader in aquatic food resilience in the face of climate change. For 50 years the Institute has played a leading role in research and teaching related to all aspects of aquaculture. Today, the Institute is home to the world's largest group of scientists, leading research on farmed and natural fish stocks, shellfish and aquatic plants and has established an international reputation for teaching, research, technological innovation and consultancy, reflecting decades of collaborative work with governments, regulatory bodies, industry, fish farmers, supply chains and alumni. Since its foundation the Institute has worked extensively with overseas partners in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Americas. There are particularly strong relations with research and commercial organisations in Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, China, Malaysia and Indonesia.



The Institute has almost 180 skilled staff and research students and ranks 1st in the UK for research impact in Agriculture, Veterinary and Food Science (REF 2021). The academic disciplines include aquatic animal welfare, health, nutrition, breeding and genetics, environmental management and the social and economic aspects of aquaculture development. In 2019 Aquaculture developed the vision to deliver one health and one planet solutions, linked to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, diversifying expertise to enhance biodiversity, and contributing to the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021-2030) and COP26 (UK, 2021). In 2020 it received a Queen's Anniversary Prize for its innovation and pioneering work for sustainable food security and global health in one of the world's fastest-growing food production sectors. With global food security, health and wellbeing of populations, climate change and the blue economy emergency, the research is more crucial than ever. Conservation and aquaculture must unite to make our planet better than it was yesterday.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02069