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Job description

Background/Overview:

We are looking for a Benthic ecologist to conduct investigations into the auto ecology of soft sediment animal assemblages in the Antarctic. The position involves extensive SCUBA diving, ROV and sediment core survey to classify and characterise soft sediment assemblages to the Northern end of the runway at Rothera Research station in Antarctica. The post holder will work within a team of experienced scientists, operations, environmental and construction teams in the field and in Cambridge to plan the research and write the report. The project requires extensive use of light microscopy and laboratory techniques to identify the species present in the sediment and will also characterise the nature of the sediment, in particular the amount of organic material.

The project will involve summer season field work at Rothera, followed by image and sample analysis and write up time in Cambridge. The subsequent report will form the basis of an environmental impact assessment that will provide the biological knowledge required to assess the impact of a major construction project on the North runway. The post holder will work closely with the Rothera marine biologist, who is conducting detailed studies of soft sediment assemblages, trophic ecology and carbon pathways in an assessment of blue carbon ecosystem services.

The post is a 2 year position with a summer season working at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and the results are expected to form the basis of high quality peer reviewed papers.

Although not yet confirmed there is the possibility that the post holder could be involved with later monitoring of any impacts of the construction phase and a post construction assessment of the impact on adjacent assemblages. This would require further funding to that obtained to date and will not be confirmed until a later date. This later work would require further summer season visits to Rothera station

Please note, this role does not support VISA sponsorship, so the successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.

Purpose:

Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will characterise sediment communities.

• To work with scientific, operational, environmental and construction teams to devise and conduct a sampling program, that will characterise soft sediments and their associated fauna at Rothera Research Station. Samples will be collected by SCUBA diving, ROV, drop cameras and sediment cores.
• Samples will be sorted from sediment, identified using light microscopy and carbon content of assemblages will be calculated.
• Sediment grain size and organic content will be measured through the sediment profile.
• Additional samples will be preserved for subsequent genomic identification
• Data analysis will characterise the assemblage for report and manuscript preparation.

This position provides the opportunity to work with experienced members of the team to direct the scope of investigations.

Duties:

To organise and implement the proposed research programme the successful candidate’s expertise is expected to include the following:

• Year-round SCUBA surveys of soft sediment assemblages
• ROV or drop camera experience, including analysis of images
• Knowledge of encrusting fauna, macroalgae and benthic communities
• Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species
• Good laboratory skills to measure and preserve individuals for taxonomy and to measure carbon content
• Animal husbandry and photography skills to add to the library of ID photos
• Analyse data and prepare for publication
• To play an active role as a member of the summer community at Rothera research station, including a share of base duties.
• Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organisational and interpersonal skills are required for this post

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Salary: £31,931.00-£34,709.00 per year

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee discount
• Flexitime
• Free parking
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Store discount
• Work from home

Schedule:

• Flexitime

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: BAS 23/43