Plankton Ecologist
| Posting date: | 19 June 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £33,590 to £36,013 per year |
| Additional salary information: | Pay-award pending. |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 July 2025 |
| Location: | Lowestoft |
| Company: | Government Recruitment Service |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 409559/1 |
Summary
In recent years, the demand for plankton data, science and evidence has increased and advances in technologies for collecting and analysing samples have been made. We are seeking a plankton ecologist, with expertise in taxonomy using microscopy and image analysis, to support the development of these novel technologies and their application to pelagic science.
You will work in the Environment and Energy Directorate, collaborating with scientific experts within Cefas, and both nationally and internationally, to create innovative solutions to challenges faced by pelagic scientists and to provide evidence-based advice to our customers. You will work with colleagues who have a wide-ranging mix of practical and analytical skills, including laboratory taxonomists, data scientists, ecosystem scientists and others across disciplines, and contribute towards developing Cefas’ capabilities in the field of pelagic ecology. This includes contribution to current and future research, presenting at scientific meetings and publishing in high-ranking scientific journals. You will also have the opportunity to travel overseas and conduct fieldwork at sea.
There is considerable scope to apply and expand your technical and analytical skills, as well as opportunities to develop practical and advisory skills to support Cefas’ R&D and Overseas Territories portfolios.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Welcome to Cefas (youtube.com)
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
- Providing plankton taxonomic expertise, including managing the plankton laboratory and supporting the development of new technologies for the collection and analysis of plankton data (e.g. flow cytometry, plankton imager, flowcam and planktoscope).
- The role will also comprise some field work at sea, statistical analysis using R or similar language, and reporting, including in peer-reviewed journals.
- You will also contribute to new research proposals in relation to plankton science, coordinating amongst scientists with a wide-ranging mix of practical and analytical skills.
- You will communicate and engage with the scientific community to present results and foster new collaborations.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
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