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Title  

Marine Biologist – Antarctica

Reference     (Please mention Stopdodo/Environment Jobs in your application)
Sectors   Hydrology, Hydrogeology, Water Resources
Location   Antarctic & South Atlantic - Poles
Salary   £23,937 per annum initially. Additionally, upon completion of a successful tour, you will receive a 10% bonus.
Type   Fixed Term and Permanent Roles
Status   Full Time
Level   Mid Level
Deadline   14/05/2017
Company Name   British Antarctic Survey
Contact Name   Human Resources Section
Website   Further Details / Applications
Also Listing:
Description  

We are looking for a Marine Biologist to assess the distribution, biomass and associated fauna and flora with the common macroalgae found in shallow waters at Rothera Research Station. Based in Rothera, you will organising and implementing the research programme involcing specimen collection, stereo light-microsopy, measurement of photsynthetic rates, preserving samples, quantifaction of feeding rates, analyse data and preparation of data for manuscript publication.

This is an exciting opportunity for a highly-motivated individual with relevant experience and an keen interest in marine biology to join a small Rothera-based team in organising and implementing an unique research programme.

Purpose

Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will assess the distribution, biomass and associated fauna and flora with the common macroalgae found in shallow waters near the British Antarctic Survey station on Rothera Point, Adelaide Island, Antarctica. It will further investigate the mechanisms macroalgae living at these polar latitudes employ to survive periods of months in very low light or in darkness, conditions not experienced by photosynthetic organsisms outside the polar regions.

The first part of this project requires a detailed survey of macoroalgae and associated organisms at several sites covering a range of habitat types. The project aims are to describe the range of algae present and also their seasonal abundances and biomass as well as the community structure of associated organisms in sufficient detail to assess interactions between macroalgae and their consumers and the contribution to productivity in the food web. It is further hoped that this part of the project will provide a survey of these characteristics along a transect towards a retreating glaciers so that time since being exposed and the effects of the progressive change in conditions on macroalgae, and hence benthic productivity can be evaluated.

The second part of the project will aim to measure rates of photosynthesis in macroalgae collected and returned to the laboratory, and hopefully also in situ. These measures will be made progressively throughout the winter on a range of the common species. Samples will further be taken to allow the physiological status of the macroalgae to be quantified through methods including basic dry mass and ash-free dry mass to possibly genomic or metabolomic analyses back in the UK by collaborators. There is also an opportunity to work with experienced members of the team to broaden the scope of investigations.

The position involves extensive SCUBA diving to study community structure and quantify ecological parameters. This project requires extensive use of light microscopy and a range of laboratory techniques to identify species and gather the ecological information that will feed into long term studies of shallow water communities in this region.

The post involves a minimum of 1.5 years at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and is expected to result in high quality scientific publications. The post holder will be expected to play a role in planning, organisation, and implementation of this research programme whilst also supporting a diverse range of marine science projects, and base activities, particularly during the summer months.

Qualification

BSc 2:1, minimum, Experienced diver (minimum 80 logged dives (30 cold water and/or dry suit dives). Capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica, Benthic marine biology (use of keys for identification), microscope and laboratory skills

Duties

- To organise and implement the proposed research programme, which involves:
1. Specimen collection, maintenance and study.
2. Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species
3. Careful measurement of photsynthetic rates, of key species, to assess productivity
4. Preserving samples for genetic/genomic/metabolomic analysis back in Cambridge
5. Quantification of feeding rates of key animals grazing on macroalgae to allow assessment of contribution of macroalgae to carbon flow in benthic Antarctic food webs.
6. Good laboratory skills to measure ecological information
7. Analyse data and prepare for publication
8. Help to prepare manuscripts for publication
- To play an active role as a member of the marine team, being involved in a diverse range of marine projects

Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organisational and interpersonal skills are required for this post


On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/jobs

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 40/17
Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 14th May 2017
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: w/c 26th June 2017

We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.

You will need to be physically capable and medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions

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