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Marine Biologist

Please quote ref no: BAS 48/13
Closing date for applications: 05 May 2013

Main Description

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs.

We are now looking to recruit a Marine Biologist to be based at our Rothera Research Station, Antarctica.

Within the Ecosystems programme, this project will assess the biodiversity, biomass and carbon budget of rocky shore communities in the Antarctic. The core of this project requires a detailed survey of a key location that was first described 15 years ago. The project aims are to describe the community structure in sufficient detail to assess carbon flow through the benthos, and detect any differences between surveys that will indicate how animals have responded to rapid climate change in this region. There is also an opportunity to work with experienced members of the team to broaden the scope of investigations. The position involves extensive SCUBA diving to study community structure and quantify ecological parameters. This requires extensive use of light microscopy and laboratory techniques to identify species and gather the ecological information that will feed into long term studies of shallow water communities in this region.

Qualifications: BSc 2:1, minimum

Experienced diver (minimum 100 logged dives (50 cold water and dry suit dives). Capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica

Duration: Minimum 19th months fixed term appointment

Salary: £21,037

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 48/13
Closing date for receipt of application forms is 5th May 2013
Interviews are scheduled to be held w/c 10th June 2013


We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions


Formal Description

Marine Biologist
Ref No.: BAS 48/13
Closing Date: 05 May 2013

1. Job Title: Marine Biologist
  Reference No: BAS 48/13
  Department: Biological Life Sciences
  Line Manager:
  Contract Type: Antarctic Employment Pool (AEP) – minimum 19 month contract

2. Location:
Antarctica - Rothera

3. Purpose:
Within the Ecosystems programme, this project will assess the biodiversity, biomass and carbon budget of rocky shore communities in the Antarctic. The core of this project requires a detailed survey of a key location that was first described 15 years ago. The project aims are to describe the community structure in sufficient detail to assess carbon flow through the benthos, and detect any differences between surveys that will indicate how animals have responded to rapid climate change in this region. There is also an opportunity to work with experienced members of the team to broaden the scope of investigations. The position involves extensive SCUBA diving to study community structure and quantify ecological parameters. This requires extensive use of light microscopy and laboratory techniques to identify species and gather the ecological information that will feed into long term studies of shallow water communities in this region. The post involves a minimum of 1.5 years at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and is expected to result in high quality scientific publications. The post holder will be expected to play a role in planning, organisation, and implementation of this research programme whilst also supporting a diverse range of marine science projects, and base activities, particularly during the summer months.

4. Duties:
• To organise and implement the proposed research programme, which involves:
1. Animal collection, maintenance and study.
2. Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species
3. Careful measurement of growth rates, of key species, to assess carbon flow through the community
4. Preserving samples for genetic analysis back in Cambridge
5. Good laboratory skills to measure ecological information
6. Analyse data and prepare for publication
7. Help to prepare manuscripts for publication
• To play an active role as a member of the marine team, being involved in a diverse range of marine projects

Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organisational and interpersonal skills are required for this post

Skills Specification

Marine Biologist
Ref No.: BAS 48/13
Closing Date: 05 May 2013

Characteristics Essential Requirements
Importance rating in parenthesis
  Desirable Requirements
Importance rating in parenthesis
Communication skillsa) oral skillsb) written skills
* Fluent in written and spoken English language  
 
Computer / IT skills
* Word processing, spreadsheet literate  
 
Decision Making
* Self management within the requirements of the wider team  
 
Interpersonal skills
* Ability to live and work within a small team at Rothera which fits within a larger team in Cambridge  
 
Managerial ability
* Self manage within the framework of a dynamic team  
 
Numerical ability
* Ability to handle complex data sets  
 
Other Factors
* Physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions  
 
Qualifications
* Benthic community identification (use of keys for identification), microscope and laboratory skills  
* BSc 2:1, minimum  
* Experienced diver (minimum 100 logged dives (50 cold water and dry suit dives). Capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica  
 
Resource Management ability
* Flexible approach to problem solving  
* Ability to plan up to a year ahead to fit with schedules  
 
Skills / Experience
* Marine Biology/Biology  
 
* Report writing (3)
* Experience of remote environments (3)
* Ecology experience (3)
* Sigmaplot, Minitab , PRIMER or similar software experience (4)
* Experience of underwater photography (2)
* Proof of drysuit dives, full facemask experience (2)
* Data visualisation and statistics knowledge (3)
* Small boat handling experience (3)
* HSE SCUBA (part IV) or Advanced European Scientific Diver or sport equivalent (BSAC adv, PADI divemaster) (1)