Please quote ref no: BAS 26/15
Closing date for applications: 10 May 2015 at 11:59pm
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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 are looking to appoint a Marine Biologist for Rothera to work within the Adaptations team, of the Biodiversity, Evolution and Genes group, this project will focus on biodiversity surveys of marine communities at depths down to110m. This project will utilise SCUBA diving supported methods (photographic and direct sampling) in the shallows and a Deep Trekker remotely operated vehicle in both shallow and deeper water. This ROV has a high definition camera, laser scaler, grab and sediment sampler. The ROV is also be fitted with a conductivity, temperature, depth recorder.
The post involves the design and implementation of biodiversity surveys of macrofauna to study community structure and how this changes with depth. This will largely involve analysis of photographic data obtained from an ROV and be carried out in areas and at depths not accessible to divers. It will also involve detailed comparisons of data obtained by the ROV with diver sampled sites (photographic and direct quadrat sampling) at depths shallower then 30 m. The aim of the project is to quantify ecological parameters such as density, patchiness, growth and calculate parameters such as biomass and biomass to productivity ratios. Light microscopy and other laboratory techniques will also be used to identify species. This project will gather ecological information that adds to the long term studies of Antarctic shallow water marine fauna conducted by BAS. The data collected will ultimately feed into ecosystem models that are used to monitor the shallow water communities. The post meshes with the extensive time series of the coastal oceanography (RaTS programme).
The post involves a minimum of 1.5 years living and working at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and should result in a number of high quality scientific publications. The post holder will be expected to play a role in planning, organisation, and implementation of this research project. The post holder will also be required to support a diverse range of BAS core science projects, many utilising scientific SCUBA diving (e.g. a long-term reproductive monitoring study and long-term monitoring of iceberg impact frequency), and a range of base activities at Rothera Research Station, particularly during the summer months.
Qualifications: BSc 2:1, minimum
Experienced diver, CMAS 3* equivalent (minimum 100 logged dives (50 cold water and dry suit dives). Capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica
Benthic community identification, microscope and laboratory skills
Duration: 19 Month Fixed term appointment
Salary: Salary starts at £23,937 per annum, rising annually. Additionally, upon completion of a successful tour, you will receive a 10% bonus. BAS provides all training required, outdoor and work clothing, tools, and accommodation (whilst in the Antarctic).
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 26/15
Closing date for receipt of application forms is:10th May 2015
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 8th June 2015
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions.
