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.
Based in Cambridge, and travelling to the Antarctic, you will be involved in the collection and identification of bacteria from the Scotia Arc region and will publish peer-reviewed papers on the research. The project is part of the ChEsSo consortium, which aims to investigate chemosynthetically-driven ecosystems south of the Polar Front, Antarctica and their relation to their geological, oceanographic and chemical environments. It aims to determine whether these ecosystems represent one or more unique biogeographic provinces, separated from the Global Ocean by the Polar Front or CDW, or instead are related to vent and seep ecosystems in the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans providing a ‘stepping stones’ between the two.
With a good first degree and PhD in microbiology, molecular biology or equivalent, you will have a sound working knowledge of microbial/bacterial DNA extraction and analysis and a familiarity with routine analytical and statistical procedure. You will also have effective IT and oral and written communication skills, together with the ability to work in a team and to tight deadlines. In addition, you will be willing to spend short periods working aboard a research ship.
Qualifications: Research degree (PhD)
Duration: 3-year fixed term appointment
Salary: Salary will be in the range of £ 24,380 to £ 28,830 per annum. We offer a generous benefits package including a final salary pension scheme, free car parking, flexible working hours and 30 days annual leave.
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.antarctica.ac.uk/employment
These are also available from the Personnel Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.
Please quote reference: BAS 14/09
Closing date for receipt of application forms is. 19th June 2009
Interviews are scheduled to be held in July 2009.
