The British Antarctic Survey is looking for a Marine Biologist to conduct investigations into early life history stages of nearshore marine communities to understand how recruitment dynamics are being affected by changes in the Southern Ocean surrounding Rothera Research Station, West Antarctic Peninsula.

Wintering at Rothera Research Station, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a research programme to conduct ecological surveys of early life history stages.

The role will involve developing projects within 3 broad areas, 1) year round, depth stratified plankton surveys 2) taxonomic identification of larvae and settled juveniles and 3) marine larval husbandry.

Purpose

Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will investigate the dynamics of early life history stages.

1. A sampling program will be devised to take depth stratified plankton tows from which larvae will be identified to monitor seasonal occurrence and development patterns. Larvae that cannot be identified will be preserved for molecular identification. The research program will be developed to allow comparison with previous larval studies conducted 20 years ago.
2. Settlement panels will be deployed by SCUBA divers, or ROV, to investigate the impact of iceberg disturbance on recruitment patterns. The settlement panel studies are a component of a 20-year program of research investigating the impact of iceberg disturbance on benthic community ecology. Data from 3 sets of panels deployed for short periods (1-3 years) and one long term dataset (8 years) are available for comparison.
3. Selected larvae will be maintained in the aquarium facility in order to monitor and describe development.

Qualification

• BSc 2:1, minimum
• Experienced SCUBA diver (CMAS 3* equivalent, minimum 100 logged dives (30 cold water – preferably dry suit dives). Capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica
• HSE SCUBA (part IV) or equivalent
• Advanced European Scientific Diver

Duties

• To organise and implement the proposed research programme, which be selected from the following research areas depending on the logistics and the successful candidate’s expertise:
• Year-round larval surveys using SCUBA or boat towed plankton nets
• Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species
• Knowledge of encrusting fauna and benthic communities
• Animal husbandry and photography skills to document encrusting communities and describe larval development
• Good laboratory skills to measure and preserve larvae and early recruits for a range of analyses
• Analyse data and prepare for publication
• Help to prepare manuscripts for publication
• To play an active role as a member of the marine team, supporting a diverse range of marine projects.
• This will include recompression chamber, boating, diving and search and recovery duties.

Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organizational and interpersonal skills are required for this post As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.

Location: Antarctica
Salary: £24,685 per annum initially
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Closes: 31^st March 2021
Job Ref: BAS 21/26

More information about the role and how to apply can be found here.