Hi! I am currently applying for a PhD is a marine biology related subject. I finished my BSc in marine bio in 2012 and an MSc in environmental science in 2013, since then I have been working as an ecologist in a terrestrial consultancy for the last 3 years. I want to move back into research and have found a project that I think I am quite suited to.

The application states on referees it prefers "referees that can comment on your academic record and potential for research at postgraduate level rather than those who will provide character references. This normally means that your referees should be members of academic staff who knew you at your present/previous university, perhaps a dissertation supervisor. It is helpful if your referees have been briefed by you on the project you are applying for". It requires 2 references.

I have my supervisor for my MSc research project as one reference, he is also the course leader. He doesn't know me that well and I got a fairly average (65%) mark for my dissertation and didn't have a lot of contact or support from him so I am going to have to reintroduce myself.

As for my 2nd reference I don't know whether to go back to my BSc supervisor (definitely won't remember me but got 68%), my BSc course leader (again probably won't know who I am) or my current employer. Whilst I work in ecology, I wouldn't say it is a particularly researched focussed role although I do surveys, write reports etc and have gained skills relevant to research. I'm leaving my job and handing in my notice soon, probably won't be in their best books but I have done well at the company so would imagine the reference would be fairly good albeit not an academic reference as such.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

They are asking for academic references so should provide them. I'm sure the BSc/MSc people will recognize your name and they can go on and find your transcripts and comment on academic ability from that. Best to get dissertation supervisors rather than course leaders because the former are more likely to have had more contact with you. You can also list the employer as an additional reference if there is space to.