THE ROLE
The Aquaculture Development Officer will support the development, coordination, and management of innovative aquaculture projects and partnerships. Reporting to the Principle Officer / CEO, the post holder will:
- Build strong relationships across industry, academia, and funding landscapes
- Identify development opportunities, emerging themes, and potential collaborative projects
- Support project scoping, funding proposals, and early‑stage concept development
- Contribute to SAIC’s growing project pipeline and wider innovation strategy
- Represent SAIC externally and support the promotion of innovation outcomes
- Engage actively with partners to ensure projects deliver measurable impact
This role is suited to an individual with aquaculture knowledge, strong analytical and interpersonal skills, and a proactive, solutions‑driven approach.
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Sector Engagement & Partnership Development
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with SAIC consortium members and external partners.
- Act as a key point of contact for stakeholders seeking collaboration opportunities.
- Support the growth of SAIC’s network through events, workshops, and proactive engagement.
- Identify opportunities for impactful innovation partnerships.
2. Innovation Development & Opportunity Scoping
- Monitor sector trends, challenges, and technological developments.
- Identify innovation needs and opportunities that align with SAIC’s strategic priorities.
- Horizon‑scan for public and private funding sources suitable for collaborative projects.
- Support partners through the development of proposals and project concepts.
3. Project Coordination & Oversight
- Support internal colleagues in managing governance and process requirements for projects.
- Liaise with the Project Support and Finance teams to ensure accurate documentation and reporting.
- Monitor project progress, risks, and operational challenges, escalating where necessary.
- Collaborate with partners to identify and resolve issues quickly and effectively.
4. Communication & Knowledge Exchange
- Represent SAIC at industry and academic events, meetings, and conferences.
- Prepare or contribute to presentations, briefing papers, summaries, and project outputs.
- Work alongside SAIC’s Knowledge Exchange and Communications teams to disseminate impact.
- Promote SAIC’s activities and showcase successful project outcomes.
5. Contribution to SAIC’s Organisational Development
- Support continuous improvement of operational processes and systems.
- Contribute to planning and team discussions, offering insights on sector developments.
- Uphold and actively demonstrate SAIC’s organisational values: support, agility, integrity, and collaboration.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA
- Degree‑level qualification in aquaculture or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Minimum two years’ experience in the aquaculture sector, either in industry or research.
- Strong understanding of the aquaculture ecosystem, trends, and innovation opportunities.
- Proven relationship‑building and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong communication skills — both written and verbal.
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities effectively.
- Demonstrated problem‑solving ability with a proactive and flexible approach.
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a wider team.
DESIRABLE CRITERIA
- Existing professional network across aquaculture industry or research institutions.
- Experience in innovation, knowledge exchange, or collaborative R&D environments.
- Experience developing project proposals or supporting funding applications.
- Familiarity with UK or Scottish innovation funding mechanisms.
Pay: Up to £42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Scotland
