Overview

A senior marine ecologist is required to contribute to the development, management and delivery of ecological science for New Nuclear Build (NNB) programmes being undertaken at various sites in the UK.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES.

We are seeking an experienced and flexible marine ecologist to help deliver the ecological science for our nuclear programme.

The ecology component of the programme spans the foodweb, including algae, invertebrates, fish, birds and cetaceans and is based on understanding both the links between species and their environmental dependencies.

Our work involves field surveys, experimentation, spatio-temporal data analysis, food web studies, ecological modelling, impact prediction and ecosystem monitoring.

Working with the ecology science lead, you will be responsible for developing high level, cutting-edge science to provide evidence that enables our customers to construct and operate their power stations with a high level of environmental protection.

You will be working with a diverse team of benthic, planktonic and fisheries ecologists, together with a wider group of physical scientists and water quality specialists.

You will:

• design and lead scientific research to support the characterisation of marine resources and assessment and monitoring of potential environmental impacts,
• work with oceanographers, geomorphologists, modellers and ecotoxicologists to elucidate connections between the environment and foodweb ecology,
• assess potential power station impacts on the components of estuarine and coastal foodwebs,
• advise our customers on key scientific issues,
• produce scientific reports that meet our needs for clarity and quality to what are sometimes demanding schedules,
• quality assure scientific outputs and manage subcontracts as necessary,
• mentor less experienced colleagues in ecological science and report-writing.
QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE/SKILLS
Academic qualifications required for direct entry to this Cefas Payband 6 post are a PhD and relevant experience in an appropriate marine ecology discipline. You could have a specialism in either pelagic or benthic marine ecology, although you must be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of the scientific study of ecosystem linkages and the interactions between species and their physio-chemical environment
You must demonstrate:

• a background in developing and leading marine ecological research – field survey/experimentation, data analysis and interpretation,
• an ability to formulate novel approaches to solving ecological problems,
• an ability to absorb and apply new knowledge rapidly,
• an ability to make neutral, evidence-based judgements on potential environmental impacts,
• well-developed skills in the production of scientific reports, preferably associated with a track record in peer-reviewed publication,
• effective communication skills across societal groups such as scientists, customers, regulators and the general public,
• ability and willingness to adapt to the changing priorities and timetables that inevitably occur on projects of this magnitude and to prioritising key issues and customer needs,
• skills in, and/or a commitment to, managing and mentoring others.

Experience of environmental impact assessment (or the ability to learn quickly on the job), and
managing applied or commercial science are also desirable.

Person specification
Please include details of all relevant skills and experience
Qualifications
Academic qualifications required for direct entry to this Cefas Payband 6 post are a PhD. and relevant experience
Competencies
You will be asked to supply evidence of meeting these competencies when you apply.

Making effective decisions
Delivering at pace
Science & Engineering – Applying Scientific & Technical Knowledge
Science & Engineering – Overseeing the Technical Work of Others