Description Job Description Are you seeking an exciting opportunity to be part of monitoring and assessing the zooplankton community in Scotland to identify impacts of climate change and biodiversity loss? Your main role in the zooplankton team will be conducting microscopic analysis of zooplankton samples. This requires skill in using microscopes (stereo microscopes, inverted microscopes, compound microscopes) to identify and enumerate plankton adhering to quality standards. Your work will generate the data and evidence that informs policy decisions for the sustainable use of Scotland’s pelagic marine ecosystems. You will support the zooplankton team lead in the management of the Scottish Coastal Observatory (SCObs) zooplankton data collection. Your work will also involve: preparing for and participating in at sea field collections of zooplankton samples; processing and curation of samples; contributing to general lab management and equipment maintenance; and contributing expert advice as required towards statutory reporting, assessments and expert groups (UK Marine Strategy, OSPAR, ICES). Responsibilities Microscopic analysis of zooplankton samples collected as part of the Scottish Coastal Observatory. Collection of zooplankton samples at the SCObs Stonehaven monitoring site. Management and curation of samples. Compilation, quality control and analysis of data providing outputs suitable for reporting and identification of community change. Engagement with and working alongside colleagues who specialise in the marine environment. Organisation of field/sampling kit and liaison with Scottish Coastal Observatory collectors. Participation in Stonehaven Sampling Rota. Statistical analysis of data and provision of scientific evidence towards Scottish and UK environmental assessments, reports and publications. Support and representation to the UK Pelagic Habitats Working Group for statutory zooplankton reporting and assessment. Responsibilities Qualifications A post graduate degree in a scientific subject that involved identifying plankton in a laboratory setting adhering to quality standards. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Building and applying knowledge - Emerging Communicating science and engineering for government - Emerging Technical oversight and management - Emerging You can find out more about the skills required here: Government Science and Engineering (GSE) Career Framework, November 2021 (Version 2) Experience: Strong laboratory skills, focused on the taxonomic expertise in the identification and enumeration of plankton. Experience of quality control and numeric analysis of laboratory data. Behaviours: Delivering at Pace – Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here. How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and Job Simulation Exercise. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 29/04/25 however this may be subject to change. Qualifications About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Location Marine Lab, 375 Victoria Road, Torry, Aberdeen, AB11 9DB. The post is a full-time role based in a laboratory setting with an expectation that staff will participate in field sampling. Therefore, staff will be expected to work on-site for the majority of their work week. There is some flexibility in work-hour patterns and these can be discussed against the business requirements for this post. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.