Description Job Description Do you have an interest in the marine environment and would like to play a part in ensuring the sustainable management of Scotland’s shellfish fisheries? If you do, then we would like to hear from you. The Sea Fisheries Team of the Marine Directorate, based at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen is responsible for the collection and quality assurance of fishery and survey sampling data, along with stock assessment modelling, analysis and the provision of scientific advice on fisheries management. The evidence base provided by the team enables the management of Scotland's fisheries in a manner to create a strong, dynamic and productive economy which creates wealth and employment across Scotland, whilst recognising that our economy must be environmentally sustainable, inclusive and benefit all our people and communities. As the Stock Assessment Scientist, you will play a key role in fisheries research and advice, and will be responsible for conducting stock assessments and analysis in support of advice on sustainable shellfish fisheries management. You will have delegated responsibility for specific areas of work and will be able to identify key questions and knowledge gaps and be able to develop approaches to address these. This will involve using the R programming language in the preparation of data and development of stock assessment models, and representing the Scottish Government at national and international scientific meetings, collaborating with other scientists. In the first instance, the post will focus on crustacean stock assessment. Responsibilities Carry out stock assessments and contribute population modelling and analytical expertise to research projects on shellfish stock assessment and the evaluation of fisheries management strategies. Prepare and analyse fishery and biological data for use in stock assessment and in support of other fisheries management related research. Represent the Marine Directorate at national and international scientific and advisory meetings, collaborating with external colleagues and stakeholders Communicate the results of scientific work by delivering presentations, and preparing reports and advice for publication Conduct fieldwork as part of MD-SEDD catch sampling and research vessel survey programmes. Responsibilities Qualifications A degree in an appropriate subject such as biology, marine science or mathematics, or equivalent work experience. Please indicate on your CV/Personal Statement that you hold the required qualifications. 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: Communicating science and engineering for government - Adapts communication styles to different audiences, including public communication or technical official communication. Expertise in a high level programming language, preferably the R statistical environment, specifically the writing and documenting of robust code to carry out modelling and data analysis. Experience: Experience of developing mathematical models of environmental, biological or fishery systems. Experience of conducting scientific research projects. Behaviours: Working together – Level 3 Making effective decisions - Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online before midnight w/c 21 April 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 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 Presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 23 June 2025 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. 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.