Overview

The posts provide an opportunity to join an internationally respected, dynamic and active team conducting and leading on fisheries science, assessments and management advice to national and international marine management organisations.
You will have responsibility for initiating, conducting and developing scientific and statistical assessments of fisheries, fish stocks and the impacts of fishing on the marine ecosystem to provide advice on fisheries management to Cefas, Defra and other national and international bodies.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Key work areas include monitoring and assessment of fish and shellfish stocks, their associated environment, and the impact of fishing on ecosystems and the impact of environmental change on fish and shellfish stock productivity.
You will develop and manage scientific analyses and provide analytical and advisory support on the assessment of marine fish stocks, the marine environment, and associated fisheries and management options. In addition, you will be expected to lead on projects as well as initiate new opportunities to develop science and business in these areas.
Duties will include development and application of statistical and mathematical models, ad hoc ecological modelling, report writing and presentation of advice to a wide range of national and international customers. You will be capable of both independent working and working within multi-disciplinary international teams.
Cefas actively supports staff development and opportunities for additional professional training and development are available.
Overseas travel is to be expected with a possibility of participating in fieldwork.

QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
The roles will require statistical and numerical programming and statistical analysis, therefore experience in numerical modelling and data analysis, high level programming languages, identifying problems and the ability to demonstrate a high degree of familiarity with packages such as R are essential.
Good written and verbal communication skills, excellent report writing and presentation skills with the ability to explain complex solutions to non-specialists are also required.
The posts require strong personal motivation and flexibility, with the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team and willingness to travel both nationally and internationally to work directly with the organisations involved in this research. You will be required to carry out fieldwork at sea on research and commercial vessels.
Experience of fisheries, management of ecological or renewable resources, international collaboration, and the ability to identify additional business opportunities in fisheries research are all desirable.

Person specification
Please give details of how you meet the essential relevant experience and skills stated above.
Qualifications
Academic qualifications required for direct entry to this Cefas Pay Band 6 post are a higher degree with a high level of mathematical, statistical content and substantial relevant work experience.
Competencies
You will be asked to supply evidence of meeting these competencies when you apply.

Collaborating and partnering
Making effective decisions
Changing and improving
Seeing the big picture
Delivering value for money
Delivering at pace
Science & Engineering – Securing, Maintaining & Developing Relevant Technical Expertise
Science & Engineering – Applying Scientific & Technical Knowledge
Civil Service Competency Framework
Benefits
Pensions
Civil Service pension schemes may be available for successful candidates.
Things you need to know
Security
Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.
Successful candidates must pass basic security checks.
Nationality statement
Candidates will be subject to UK immigration requirements as well as Civil Service nationality rules.

If you’re applying for a role requiring security clearance please be aware that foreign or dual nationality is not an automatic bar. However certain posts may have restrictions which could affect those who do not have sole British nationality or who have personal connections with certain countries outside the UK.
Selection process details
As part of the application process you will be asked to complete a CV. Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.

Please note depending on volume of applications an Initial Sift may be conducted on the Lead Competency, candidates must pass this competency for their application to be progressed.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Nationality requirements
Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.
Eligibility
Candidates in their probationary period are eligible to apply for vacancies within this department.
Working for the Civil Service
The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.
The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
For further information about this post contact lisa.readdy@cefas.co.uk or careers@Cefas.co.uk
Sift/interview dates and location
Sift and interviews will be held at Cefas Lowestoft NR33 0HT

Cefas is unable to contribute to interview expenses