We are currently seeking applications for a Benthic Ecologist within Marine Scotland based in Aberdeen. This is a permanent and pensionable appointment and new entrants will normally start on the minimum of the pay range. Candidates with a disability who meet the essential criteria below will be invited to the assessments.
As a benthic ecologist you will be involved in all aspects of the scientific process from data collection, compilation and analysis to the production of reports and peer reviewed manuscripts.
You will be required to work in a multi-disciplinary manner, working closely with colleagues across Marine Scotland. This vacancy contributes towards the Scottish Government National Outcomes for Business and Environmental Impact. For information on Scottish Government National Outcomes, click here.
The main role of this post is to support the monitoring and research needs of the Ecology and Conservation Group through taxonomic analysis of benthic samples, video analysis, field work and report and paper writing.
Marine Scotland is the lead marine management organisation in Scotland. It was established on 1 April 2009 as a Directorate of the Scottish Government, to integrate core marine functions involving scientific research, compliance monitoring, policy and management of Scotland's seas. The Marine Laboratory is the main centre for Marine Scotland Science (MSS) staff. MSS supports Marine Scotland's vision of having marine and coastal environments which are clean, healthy, safe, productive and biologically diverse.
This post will be within the Ecology and Conservation Group at Marine Scotland Science, in Aberdeen, currently made up of 10 people. The Ecology and Conservation Group provides ecological and conservation advice and underpinning science for the Environment Monitoring and Assessment, Planning and Environmental Advice and Coastal and Offshore Fisheries Programmes. The group provides advice on fishery closures, Good Environmental Status (GES) and Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and carries out ecological studies of macro-benthos, zooplankton and fish in order to support the Scottish MPA Project and the UK Marine Strategy. The group also answers questions about climate change impacts, fish movements and dynamics, vulnerability of priority marine species and trophic interactions.
The post will also provide more general laboratory support.
Qualifications Required
For jobs in Band B & C you must hold a minimum of 3 Highers or equivalent.
Other qualifications equivalent to these may also be acceptable, if you are in any doubt please contact to discuss.
Please note: If you fail to demonstrate how you meet the minimum qualifications as stated above, your application will be automatically sifted out.
Essential Criteria
- Experience identifying and enumerating marine benthic organisms from video and benthic samplers.
- Experience of fieldwork, performing sampling activities on research cruises.
- Experience in statistical analysis relevant to benthic studies such as multivariate analysis.
- A relevant qualification such as a M.Sc. in biological or environmental science.
Nationality requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UKs
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
- nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with (or eligible for) status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
- relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service
- certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals
We strongly urge that EU nationals who may not have Settled or Pre-Settled Status make an application before 30 June 2021, to ensure their continued eligibility to employment.
Salary: £30,652 - £35,110
Application deadline: 12 April 2021 at midnight
Location: Aberdeen
Reference: IRC86523 E
