http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/index.php A list of vacancies at the British Antarctic Survey. http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/ http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/Images/baslogo.gif 300 70 en-uk Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:47:02 GMT OJAS RSS http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=694 NERC PhD studentship funded by NERC grant NE/I019565/1 Shell composition and microstructure variation with pH in time and space. Supervisors Prof Lloyd Peck (BAS) & Dr Elizabeth Harper (Earth Sciences, Cambridge). Full studentship funding is limited to UK and some EU citizens. For more details see http //www.nerc.ac.uk/funding/available/postgrad/eligibility.asp This PhD project forms part of a large, interdisciplinary research project to assess the impact of ocean acidification on life in the sea. It is in turn part of the NERC Thematic Programme to investigate biodiversity and ecosystem functioning on the planet. This project aims to address 4 questions 1. How do shell microstructure and composition vary between animals currently living at different pH? 2. How do these shell characteristics vary within a species from the same site across the Anthropocene? 3. How do shell characteristics vary in brachiopods across geological periods with different CO2 levels? 4. How does growing articulated brachiopods in lowered pH conditions alter their shell characteristics? This studentship will investigate how shell thickness, primary & secondary layer thickness, crystal morphology, major & minor elements varies in articulated brachiopods across a range of spatial and temporal scales. There will be four main approaches 1. Evaluating differences between shells of brachiopods from the same species living in different sites with different current pH regimes. This work will be aimed at analyzing shells of Terebratulina retusa in Scotland, and Calloria inconspicua from New Zealand, in both cases comparing animals from nearshore sites such as fiords and open offshore localities. 2. Assessing the effects of holding specimens in experimental systems in Plymouth and BAS Cambridge with altered pH. Here specimens of T. retusa and the Antarctic Liothyrella uva will be held at low pH for periods of 3 6 months and the effects of lowered pH on shells examined. 3. Shell characteristics of samples from the last 150 yr held in museums will be analysed to assess how changing global CO2 levels, and hence altered pH in the sea. 4. Brachiopod shells from past geological periods with different global CO2 regimes will be compared to identify long term, evolutionary scale responses to altered pH. The project is wide ranging in its practical requirements and training. It will involve fieldwork collecting specimens and the maintenance of laboratory experimental aquarium systems with altered pH. Much of the work, however, will be the analysis of shell characteristics. Shells will be embedded, sectioned, polished and etched before analyzing for shell layer thickness and dimensions of secondary layer crystals. Caecal density will also be analysed from cleaned whole shells, and elemental composition will also be analysed on a Cameca SX 100 ion probe. Candidates should have a background in the mainstream biological/palaeobiological sciences and be able to demonstrate a strong relevant research interest. Masters level experience would be advantageous. Applicants should submit an expression of interest (max 2 pages), CV and the emails of two referees. Jobs Fri, 10 Feb 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=695 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 now require a HR Manager to work in support of the British Antarctic Survey to deliver effective HR support, initiatives and specialised services, to provide partnership with the organisation, shaping and developing people strategy to help achieve the organisation's goals. Jobs Sun, 12 Feb 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=666 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 wish to appoint an experienced researcher to join a team studying the processes that control glacial flow, with particular emphasis on conditions at the bed of ice streams and glaciers. Earth's ice cover has a significant influence on oceans and climate, and understanding its dynamics and evolution is a prerequisite to assessing its future impacts. We use a number of geophysical techniques, including seismic and ice penetrating radar systems, to study glacial and subglacial conditions, to produce detailed maps of sub glacial bedforms and basal water distribution, and to derive the physical properties of sub glacial sediments. We also use GPS and other glaciological and geophysical techniques (e.g. ice coring, gravity). You will be keen, motivated and committed with a strong academic background, an enthusiasm for fieldwork, and an adaptable and innovative approach. Your job will be • To help plan and undertake fieldwork, initially in Antarctica, using radar, seismic and GPS equipment. • To process and interpret the data. • To publish the results in scientific papers and at conferences. You will also be involved in analysis and publication of existing datasets and in the development of research proposals for future work in both polar regions. Fieldwork will initially be on Larsen Ice Shelf, east of the Antarctic Peninsula during the 2012/13 field season, using seismic and radar to map the ocean bed beneath the ice. You will contribute to the maintenance and deployment of glaciological and geophysical equipment. Jobs Sun, 19 Feb 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=681 PhD Studentship Solar Perturbation of Downward Planetary Wave Coupling Supervisors Dr. Hua Lu (Climate Programme, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge) Prof. Nicholas Mitchell (Centre for Space, Atmospheric & Oceanic Science, University of Bath) During the last few decades, the Antarctic has undergone significant climate change. Understanding and predicting the year to year variability in the region requires a quantitative attribution of natural and human induced variations. Natural forcing includes solar forcing via ultra violet (UV) radiation and the solar wind; these influence the Earth's upper and middle atmosphere. There is some evidence that perturbations in the middle and upper atmosphere may have a dynamic influence on the near surface climate change the full extent of such processes remains to be understood. The objective of this project is to quantify and highlight the dynamic processes by which Antarctic weather and climate are modified by changes in solar activity via downward wave propagation. The successful PhD candidate will analyse the climate record to investigate whether changes in the mesosphere or upper stratosphere influence the dynamic feedbacks between planetary waves and mean flow in the lower atmosphere. They will also quantify the extent that solar UV and solar wind variations influence planetary wave breaking, reflection and propagation. Case studies will be conducted using ground based radar observations from the global archive of radar data from the international SuperDARN network and from the Skiymet system of University of Bath. This NERC PhD studentship will be based at the British Antarctic Survey, where the successful candidate will be provided with training in atmospheric physics and climate diagnosis. The student will be working within a group of scientists who are using climate data and models to study the vertical coupling of the Earth's atmosphere and processes that drive variability and change in the polar regions. The student will be registered as an external PhD candidate at the University of Bath. Applicants should hold (or expect to gain) a first or upper second class honours degree in the physical, mathematics, environmental sciences or electrical engineering. As the project involves analysing large data sets, candidates should be highly numerate and must be able to demonstrate evidence of good computing/IT skills. Experience with MATLAB programming (or similar) and knowledge of atmospheric or fluid dynamics will be an advantage. Familiarity with signal processing or handling large data sets is also desirable (but not essential). Please note that only UK citizens are eligible to apply for a NERC PhD award. Jobs Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=690 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 now have a requirement for a Base Commanders at our base on Bird Island. In doing so, the Base Commander is expected to oversee a safe and efficient operation of that given Station. Supporting Operations Group, in its' role of delivering services to science projects in Antarctica, in accordance with the surveys policies and plans. Jobs Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=691 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 now require a Base Commander for our base at King Edward Point. The successful applicant will be required to support the activities of the Foreign and Commonwealth office, the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands, and the British Antarctic Survey including co ordination, administration, the provision of leadership and full responsibility for the activities of the Research Station. Jobs Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=692 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 now have a requirement for Winter Base Commanders at two of our bases; Rothera and Halley. The successful applicants will manage the research station, whilst on site during the austral winter. In doing so, the Winter Base Commander is expected to oversee a safe and efficient operation of the Station. Supporting Operations Group, in its' role of delivering services to science projects in Antarctica, in accordance with the surveys policies and plans. Jobs Sun, 04 Mar 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=696 With temperatures plummeting as low as 55*C and frequent high winds, ours is a truly unique environment where even the simplest of routine operations are anything but straightforward, but as a competent systems administrator with an appetite for adventure, you'll be unphased by such an exceptional challenge. Working from our stations at Halley or Rothera, you'll undertake the significant responsibility of maintaining communications between the bases, ships, field parties, aircraft and our Cambridge office. Of course, we won't just drop you in at the icy deep end extensive, professional training will be provided to complement your existing skills and experience. A working knowledge of computer networking and excellent communications skills are pre requisites for this post. Previous exposure to RF electronics, satellite communications and radio operation is advantageous, as is a degree/BTEC in computer/ electronics. Jobs Fri, 09 Mar 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=693 We are looking to recruit several different positions under the main heading of PLANT TECHNICIAN but including Fixed plant technicians, Mobile plant technicians and Operator mechanics. Our team will decide on which area you are best suited to from your application form and (if selected) your interview. However, if you have skills that are particularly suited to the job descriptions and skills specifications below it would be advantageous to you to tailor your application. Details of all the different posts are outlined in the FURTHER INFORMATION section This is your chance to work in one of the most extraordinary places on earth. To put your skills to vital use in maintaining our equipment without which none of our work is possible supporting genuine scientific research into issues such as global warming which affect us all. Join us and you could spend up to 18 months working in a truly unique and amazing environment. You'll need to be an experienced and suitably qualified trades person experience of contractors plant, lorries or general farm vehicles would be ideal and someone who can be counted on to get a job done in sometimes difficult conditions. This will involve servicing, maintaining and sometimes operating our varied fleet of Snowmobiles, Tractors, Tracked cranes, Bulldozer and Sno Cats, or maintaining the diesel electric generators. Not that its all work and no play, you'll have the time to genuinely savour and experience what Antarctica has to offer. All your essentials like food, clothing and living arrangements will be funded, so you'll see a lot of your salary when you get back. Jobs Sun, 25 Mar 2012 23:59:00 GMT http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment/vacancies/job.php?JobID=679 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 now require Field Assistants to conduct scientific colleagues safely and efficiently within the polar environment both on continental ice shelves and glaciated mountainous regions. Field parties come under the charge of the Field Operations Manager, who is based at Rothera and to whom the Field Assistants are responsible for the safety, efficiency and well being of their parties. All duties should be carried out in accordance with the Field Operations Manual. Jobs Wed, 04 Apr 2012 23:59:00 GMT