Part Time Plankton Analyst

If you have an interest in the marine environment and would like to work on one of the most respected environmental monitoring programmes (the Scottish Coastal Observatory) in Europe, then we would like to hear from you.

We have two exciting part time (18.5 hours per week) opportunities for Plankton Analysts in our Science, Evidence, Digital and Data (SEDD) portfolio which sits within the Scottish Government’s Marine Directorate.

The main role of these posts is the identification and enumeration of plankton in support of SEDD work relating to environmental monitoring and assessments for the OSLO/PARIS commission (OSPAR) and the UK Marine Strategy status.  You will ensure your work supports data quality requirements and will also work to assist in the general running of the plankton labs in Aberdeen.  The posts also involve weekly field sampling trips and may also provide the opportunity to participate in offshore sampling cruises.  These posts  will be expected to work closely and flexibly across SEDD, where necessary in line with annual delivery plans. 

Due to the nature of this role, you will be expected to participate in field work activities at sea.  You will also be expected to work in a laboratory setting onsite at the Marine Laboratory, Aberdeen for the majority of the working week.

The Plankton delivery area is currently focused on the identification and enumeration of plankton communities around the Scottish coast to fulfil statutory monitoring and assessment requirements, and identification of the impacts of climate change. It is part of the Climate Change, Biodiversity and Ecosystems (CCBE) work area of the SEDD portfolio.

The CCBE work area provides scientific advice and undertakes monitoring of multiple parameters in the marine environment such as the Scottish Coastal Observatory. CCBE is responsible for the provision of data in support of the Marine Directorate’s environmental reporting commitments.

This is an exciting opportunity to work as part of a flexible, inclusive, welcoming and supportive team, where you will have the opportunity to develop plankton identification, fieldwork and general laboratory skills.

The Plankton delivery area is currently composed of four plankton scientists who are experts in plankton identification, ecology and reporting.

This is a 24 month Fixed Term Appointment with the possibility of extension.

• Collection, processing and microscopic identification of plankton in water samples
• Completion of laboratory tasks within the SEDD and UKAS ISO 17025 Quality System
• Preparation and maintenance of laboratory and sampling equipment
• Participation of field trips on MRV TEMORA to collect weekly samples at the Stonehaven monitoring site
• Plankton data entry and quality control
• Support the Plankton delivery area in other laboratory and reporting duties as appropriate

Competencies:

Analysis and use of Evidence

Self Awareness

Communication and Engagement

Improving Performance

Hold a minimum of a HND in biological science or equivalent and have worked for at least one year within a scientific laboratory environment

Essential Criteria:

1.  Experience of working in a laboratory environment with attention to detail.

2.  Strong planning and organisational skills including the ability to use initiative and take responsibility for own work.

3.  Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with and build relationships with working colleagues.

4.  Demonstrated ability using a variety of IT systems, including Microsoft Office – Word, Excel and Outlook

Desirable Criteria:

1.  Experience generating data using light microscopy.

2.  Experience carrying out field work.

3.  Experience with databases

Location: Marine Lab, 375 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB

Interview and Assessment:  Dates to be confirmed

Minimum time in post:

You will be expected to remain in post for the duration of the contract unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

HOW TO APPLY & ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: 

How to apply: 

To apply for this post, you will need to provide the information requested below via the online application process.

You must fully complete and submit an online application via the website before the closing date using evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

Additional Information:

Internal applicants must discuss their intention to apply with their line manager to help ensure early release.

External applicants will find further information in the  “Person Specification” below:

Person_Specification_Band_B

In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months.

For information regarding this post please contact Eileen.Bresnan@gov.scot or Dafne.Eerkes-Medrano@gov.scot

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