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.
Qualifications
A post graduate degree in a scientific subject that involved identifying plankton in a laboratory setting adhering to quality standards.
Technical / Professional Skills
* Building and applying knowledge - Emerging
* Communicating science and engineering for government - Emerging
* Technical oversight and management - Emerging
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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