In recent years, the demand for plankton data, science and evidence has increased and advances in technologies for collecting and analyzing samples have been made. We are seeking a plankton ecologist, with expertise in taxonomy using microscopy and image analysis, to support the development of these novel technologies and their application to pelagic science.
You will work in the Environment and Energy Directorate, collaborating with scientific experts within Cefas, and both nationally and internationally, to create innovative solutions to challenges faced by pelagic scientists and to provide evidence-based advice to our customers. You will work with colleagues who have a wide-ranging mix of practical and analytical skills, including laboratory taxonomists, data scientists, ecosystem scientists and others across disciplines, and contribute towards developing Cefas’ capabilities in the field of pelagic ecology. This includes contribution to current and future research, presenting at scientific meetings and publishing in high-ranking scientific journals. You will also have the opportunity to travel overseas and conduct fieldwork at sea.
There is considerable scope to apply and expand your technical and analytical skills, as well as opportunities to develop practical and advisory skills to support Cefas’ R&D and Overseas Territories portfolios.
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Providing plankton taxonomic expertise, including managing the plankton laboratory and supporting the development of new technologies for the collection and analysis of plankton data (e.g. flow cytometry, plankton imager, flowcam and planktoscope).
- The role will also comprise some field work at sea, statistical analysis using R or similar language, and reporting, including in peer-reviewed journals.
- You will also contribute to new research proposals in relation to plankton science, coordinating amongst scientists with a wide-ranging mix of practical and analytical skills.
- You will communicate and engage with the scientific community to present results and foster new collaborations.
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 role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Experience in identifying plankton (phytoplankton or zooplankton) using microscopy.
- Knowledge of the role of plankton within the pelagic environment.
- Working knowledge of existing sampling/analysis methods for plankton data collection.
- Excellent data analysis skills using r or similar.
- Being innovative, attentive, well-motivated, organized, and flexible, with good written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience in identifying and solving problems as part of an interdisciplinary team.
- Ability to explain complex solutions to both specialists and non-specialists.
- Academic qualifications required for direct entry into this role is a degree in Marine Ecology, or similar subject.
Alongside your salary in the range of £33,590 – £36,013, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £9,731 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
Application deadline: July 7, 2025
