Overview

Description

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 seeking a zooplankton ecologist to analyse data and samples from the South Sandwich Islands (SSI). BAS currently conducts research on pelagic marine ecology aimed at understanding the responses of species and ecosystems to variability and change in the polar oceans. The postholder’s studies will focus on the analyses of zooplankton population processes and community ecology and zooplankton interactions in the SSI ecosystem. Work will consider key species, such as euphausiids, copepods, salps and pteropods and examine their sensitives to environmental variability in the SSI. Key aspects of life-cycles, especially recruitment of key species such as Antarctic krill, will also be examined. The candidate will be expected to take a lead in these analyses, write reports to key stakeholders and publish findings in peer-reviewed journals.

Key areas of research will include:

  1. Determining the abundance and diversity of zooplankton in the South Sandwich Islands ecosystem.
  2. Establishing sensitivities of key zooplankton species to environmental variability, such as in temperature, salinity and chl-a, using techniques such as multivariate analysis
  3. Place results on key zooplankton species into a context of life-histories patterns, particularly with regards larval recruitment in harvested species such as Antarctic krill.
  4. Archive all data sets appropriately, to set international standards, with the Polar Data Centre

This is an important role and presents an exciting opportunity to be involved in internationally important polar zooplankton research. The candidate will be expected to deliver scientific work through publication in peer-reviewed journals and to write reports to key stakeholders including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources. The postholder will work as part of the Ecosystems Team, which includes scientists involved in studies of krill biology and ecology, zooplankton influences in biogeochemical processes and the impacts of environmental stressors on zooplankton species as well as scientists developing models of the life cycles of polar oceanic species and the operation of polar ocean food webs and a group of scientists studying the feeding and population ecology of predator species (especially fish, seabirds and seals).

Purpose

To carry out research on the role of zooplankton in the South Sandwich Island ecosystem with an emphasis on population processes and community ecology. The research is to provide the basis for analyses of spatial distributions and interactions of a range of zooplankton species to facilitate further research into life-cycles, food webs and predatorprey interactions.

Qualification

PhD in Marine Biology, Biological Oceanography or related subject area (e.g. zoology, fisheries science).(or equivalent)

Duties

The postholder will undertake research into spatial distribution, abundance, size structure and taxonomic diversity of the South Sandwich zooplankton based on samples collected as part of the cruise DY098 and other relevant historical material

Key areas of research will include:

  • Determining the abundance and diversity of zooplankton in the South Sandwich Islands ecosystem.
  • Analyse chlorophyll a samples
  • Establishing sensitivities of key zooplankton species to environmental variability, such as temperature, salinity and chl-a, using techniques such as multivariate analysis.
  • Place results on key zooplankton species into a context of life-histories patterns, particularly with regards larval recruitment in harvested species such as Antarctic krill.
  • Write reports on the above analyses for key stakeholders, namely Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science, and Commission for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources
  • Archive all data sets to set international standards with Polar Data Centre  Submit manuscripts on the above research to peer-reviewed journals
  • Any other duties, within the remit of the role, as required by the Director

Job reference: BAS 72/19
Contract type: Full Time
Duration: Fixed-Term Appointment (18 months)
Salary: In the range of £30,782 to £33,459 per annum.
Benefits: We offer generous benefits
Team: Ecosystems team
Location: Cambridge
Closing date: 30 June, 2019 11:59 pm

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221400.

Please quote reference: BAS 72/19
Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 30th June 2019
Interview date: 10th July 2019

BAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are open to a range of flexible working options including part-time or full-time employment as well as flexible hours due to caring or other commitments.