The Scottish Oceans Institute and School of Biology at University of St Andrews is recruiting  a 2 year fixed-term fulltime technician following the award of a major NERC consortium grant, 'A hierarchical approach to the examination of the relationship between biodiversity and ecosystem service flows across coastal margins' (CBESS). The role holder will support the existing technical team in completing the fieldwork and laboratory analysis necessary for the project working locally in the Eden Estuary and taking part in two major field campaigns in Essex and Morecambe Bay. The work will be under the supervision of Dr Claire Golléty and Prof David M. Paterson. Tasks will include direct in situ measurements, collecting of samples (sediment cores) and processing these in the laboratory. Techniques include measurement of sediment stability, primary productivity (fluorescence) and metabolic measurements of benthic communities (flux chambers). Training in the relevant methods will be provided. In addition to the fieldwork, the post will involve using standard laboratory protocols to analyse the sediment samples for biological and physical properties (chlorophyll a, water content, protein, sediment grain size). The role holder will also be expected to ensure appropriate formatting, quality assurance and submission of data to the CBESS consortium databases. The CBESS project is already running and we are seeking an early start date from November 2012.

We are seeking a computer literate candidate with field work and laboratory experience relevant to benthic ecology. We expect to attract a highly motivated worker, committed to fieldwork, and understanding of the unsociable hours that will be occasionally required.  

Applicants are required to have higher level qualification (or A-level IB equivalent) in the sciences, some experience of field work in intertidal areas, and relevant laboratory skills. Ability to work in a team and excellent organisational abilities are essential. A degree in ecology, environmental sciences or related subjects would be advantageous. Other important skills and attributes include independence, initiative, a sense of humour, logistics abilities and good IT skills.    

Informal enquiries should be made to Dr Claire Golléty (cg91@st-andrews.ac.uk).    

Further information about the NERC BESS programme and CBESS consortium can be found at: http://www.nerc-bess.net/
 http://cbess.weebly.com/index.html

Interviews will be held on 15 November 2012.

Ref No: ML1036    

Closing Date: 5 November 2012

Further Particulars ML1036TG FPs.doc

School of Biology/Scottish Oceans Institute
£20,559 - £23,811 per annum
Fixed Term: 2 years
Start: As soon as possible