Assistant Aquaculture Research Project Coordinator

Assistant Project Coordinator – Pontus Research

Location: Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taf

Contract Type: Full-time

Salary: Competitive

Closing Date: 26 May 2025

At Pontus, we are passionate about pioneering progress in aquaculture. Our work is rooted in scientific integrity, fish welfare, and the belief that meaningful change comes from people who care deeply and think boldly. We are now looking for an Assistant Project Coordinator. A driven, detail-focused individual who can support our experienced project delivery team while developing their own coordination skills.

This is an entry-to-mid level role, ideal for an aquaculture, fish or marine research scientist with hands-on experience in nutrition trials or fish science who is now ready to step into a more structured project coordination position. You will play a supporting role in a range of exciting research trials, ensuring accuracy, animal welfare, and client satisfaction at every step. While your focus will be in this Assistant position, you will also be part of a small and agile team where everyone contributes beyond their formal role when required.

As an Assistant, you’ll work under the guidance of the Lead Project Coordinator, supporting key parts of the trial process and gradually building confidence across planning, logistics, communication, and data analysis. You will be expected to apply a continuous improvement mindset and be proactive in suggesting ways we can enhance both animal welfare and operational excellence.

What you’ll be doing

As Assistant Project Coordinator, you will help deliver high-quality aquaculture research trials. You’ll work closely with the Lead Project Coordinator, providing support across planning, execution, analysis, and reporting. Key responsibilities include:

• Assisting in the planning and coordination of research trials across a range of species including salmon, trout, carp, tilapia, and shrimp

• Acting as a point of contact for clients, under guidance, to ensure smooth communication and timely updates

• Supporting the development of study plans and maintaining clear records throughout each trial

• Coordinating deliveries of fish and equipment, ensuring ethical handling and fish welfare is prioritised

• Helping organise sample analyses and managing associated logistics including customs paperwork when needed

• Liaising with technical staff to help monitor trial progress and ensure that high standards are maintained

• Assisting in the organisation and execution of sampling days, working with Aquaculture Scientists to reduce stress on fish stocks

• Communicating trial milestones and issues to clients in a timely and supportive manner, with input from senior colleagues

• Supporting data processing and contributing to statistical analysis and client datasets

• Contributing to the drafting of trial reports by writing or supporting the preparation of methodology and results sections

• Assisting with literature reviews and referencing to strengthen the scientific rigour of reports

• Ensuring all trials adhere to relevant regulations and welfare standards, such as EFSA guidelines

• Supporting coordination with our internal feed mill to ensure correct and timely production of experimental feeds

• Assisting with the formulation of trial diets and sourcing of ingredients in collaboration with the Lead Coordinator and technical teams

• Working with business development and senior staff to help maintain up-to-date pricing information

• Collaborating with the Singapore-based team to support international trials when needed

• Participating in team discussions around process improvement and contributing ideas for more efficient ways of working

• Supporting day-to-day operations of trial systems, developing practical experience in aquaculture research and fish care

• Demonstrating consistent, compassionate fish husbandry practices and helping monitor water quality and environmental conditions

What we’re looking for

Essential skills and experience

• Good verbal and written communication skills

• A collaborative mindset with a willingness to learn and take direction

• Some understanding of performance metrics, digestibility data, and basic statistics

• Experience working with fish, either academically or in industry, and a clear appreciation for fish health and welfare

• Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage tasks and timelines effectively

• Enthusiasm for aquaculture research and an openness to supporting different parts of the business as needed

• Good interpersonal skills and a helpful, proactive attitude

• Ability to adapt when challenges arise and contribute to team solutions

• Qualifications or certifications related to aquaculture, animal science, or fish welfare

• Some demonstrable experience with statistical tools such as RStudio or SPSS

Desirable skills and experience

• Previous experience assisting with or running nutrition trials

• Familiarity with referencing and academic literature review

• Eagerness to grow into a more senior coordination role over time

Why join Pontus?

You’ll be joining a friendly and knowledgeable team dedicated to ethical aquaculture and scientific excellence. This Assistant role gives you the opportunity to build your coordination skills while being mentored by experienced colleagues. At Pontus, we value curiosity, compassion, and a can-do attitude. We believe that supporting fish welfare and innovation go hand-in-hand. If you're looking for a role where your contribution matters and your development is supported, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to apply?

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter explaining why this Assistant role is the right next step in your journey to [email protected] and [email protected]

Note that we cannot sponsor a visa, and so this role is only open to UK or Irish citizens or those with an existing permanent right to work in the UK. Please note that if you do not qualify or do not apply as directed, your application will not be read.