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Ocean Career: Cefas Phytoplankton Taxonomist

The Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science (Cefas) is seeking a motivated and enthusiastic phytoplankton scientist. The successful candidate will contribute to the generation of quality assured phytoplankton data delivering national Official Controls to ensure the safety of bivalve molluscs for consumers, and the health of the environment. The post offers the opportunity to help in maintaining and expanding Cefas’ scientific capabilities in harmful algal monitoring and ecology. A key aspect of the post is undertaking identification of phytoplankton in water samples, building critical skills in taxonomy and enumeration of marine and freshwater plankton species and reporting of results. The position is based in the Lowestoft microscopy suite, with opportunities to collaborate across Cefas teams and with external partners. After training the postholder will contribute to Cefas’ strategic science priorities, helping to protect the health of the public, supporting the aquaculture industry and providing evidence for environmental health assessments. Additionally, the post offers opportunities to engage in the research and development of novel monitoring tools and technologies.

Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

Phytoplankton taxonomy:

  • The postholder will provide technical delivery in the field of phytoplankton taxonomy. This will require the use of light microscopes to identify phytoplankton (and other potentially toxic organisms, e.g., cyanobacteria) in environmental samples, to provide cell count data, and to calculate biovolumes. It will also require accurate reporting of results and preparing summaries of findings for short reports.

Uphold Cefas quality framework:

  • The postholder will work within the ISO 17025 accreditation quality framework, contributing to the ongoing successful delivery of accredited work, the streamlining of processes in compliance with the quality standard, and assisting in the digitizing of the phytoplankton monitoring efforts to ensure robust future delivery.

Develop Cefas’ phytoplankton monitoring capabilities:

  • The postholder will contribute to the growth of Cefas’ expertise in phytoplankton monitoring by working alongside researchers in the development, deployment and testing of new technologies and techniques within the field of phytoplankton ecology.

Develop technical skills:

  • Phytoplankton taxonomy is a valuable technical skill which requires specialist training to achieve. The postholder will be supported with extensive in role training as well as the opportunity to participate in the IOC UNESCO international training program on Harmful Algal identification.

In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.

Person specification

The following are essential criteria required for this post and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:

  • Experience, work or education, in the field of phytoplankton taxonomy or ecology.
  • Ability to use light microscopy to visualize samples.
  • Experience or understanding of internationally recognized formal quality frameworks (e.g., ISO or GLP).
  • Excellent communication and teamwork skills, with a collaborative approach to working.
  • Competence in Microsoft Office programs such as Excel and Word.

Salary: £29,744

Location: Lowestoft, UK

Application deadline: March 9, 2026

Learn more about this opportunity and how to apply.

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