The Marine Institute is the national agency responsible for marine research, technology, development, and innovation (RTDI).
The Marine Institute seeks to assess and realize the economic potential of Ireland’s 220-million-acre marine resource; promote the sustainable development of marine industry through strategic funding programs and scientific services; and safeguard the marine environment through research and environmental monitoring. The Institute works in conjunction with the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine (DAFM) and a network of other Government Departments, semi-state agencies, national and international marine partners.
Summary of the Role:
Working within the Marine Chemistry section, the successful candidate will play a key role in developing capabilities in the Marine Institute for collecting and assessing ocean biogeochemistry data as part of an integrated Irish ocean climate observing system. This will involve delivering high-quality measurements of biogeochemical Essential Climate Variables (ECVs), including measurement of the Ocean Carbon System to meet policy requirements, Ireland’s reporting obligations (for example, UN Sustainable Development Goal 14.3), and will also support ongoing research. This requires expanding the national capability for analysis of water samples, collected on research surveys and from other sampling platforms, and extending collection of in situ measurements using a variety of sensors deployed on various platforms, for an increasing range of parameters.
The successful candidate will develop and oversee a climate-quality “reference” analytical testing service for seawater biogeochemical parameters (carbonate system, nutrients, oxygen, salinity, seawater pH, and other essential variables, etc.). This will include laboratory and field/at sea analysis. The work will adhere to the quality systems currently in operation in the Institute and in particular conform to INAB (ISO 17025) accreditation as relevant as relevant.
The successful candidate will also assist with the management of reporting of relevant data to various international data centers and contribute to assessments of ocean climate and other relevant scientific outputs.
Educational and Professional Requirements:
- B.S. (Hons) and Ph.D. in chemistry, marine or environmental science, oceanography, environmental engineering, or similar related discipline.
- A minimum of three years’ relevant work experience in an analytical laboratory, ideally with familiarity in the chemical analysis of environmental matrices such as seawater.
- Good knowledge of chemistry.
- Excellent working knowledge of modern analytical instrumentation.
- Experience of developing/validating/optimizing/troubleshooting analytical methods.
- Strong experience of implementing and maintaining quality standards in a laboratory environment to ensure results are fit for purpose.
- Willingness to complete both field-based and work at sea on board research vessels.
- Experience in the use of standard Microsoft Office software packages.
- The ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing.
- The ability to manage time effectively, work in an organized manner and work to deadlines.
