Job description
Assistant Scientific Officer - Fisheries & Aquatic Ecosystems
Location: Newfordge Lane
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Salary: £24,952
About AFBI
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is a leading provider of scientific research and services to government, NGOs, and commercial organisations. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), AFBI delivers impactful science locally, nationally, and internationally.
The Environment and Marine Sciences Division (EMSD) was recently established to address environmental challenges and ensure the sustainable use of natural resources. Within this division, the Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch (FAEB) is one of three national marine and freshwater science laboratories in the UK. FAEB supports the sustainable management of productive, healthy, and biodiverse aquatic ecosystems, with a strong focus on the needs of Northern Ireland.
About the Role
AFBI is recruiting Assistant Scientific Officers to support data collection and research across its Marine and Freshwater Fisheries groups. Successful candidates will gain hands-on experience in aquatic science through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and survey participation.
Key Responsibilities
1. Work at sea (marine) or on freshwater bodies (freshwater) for up to 120 days per year, including trips of up to three weeks.
2. Conduct biological and environmental sampling, including fish, shellfish, plankton, and water chemistry.
3. Operate, deploy, and recover scientific and remote-sensing equipment.
4. Assist with survey preparation, planning, and execution, including transport of samples, staff, and equipment.
5. Process and analyse biological and water samples, with accurate data entry and record-keeping.
6. Support report production and survey result summaries using appropriate software.
7. Assist in maintaining laboratory equipment and calibration checks in line with ISO9001 standards.
8. Work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary scientific team.
9. Drive AFBI manual vehicles as required.
This is a physically demanding role that may involve adverse conditions, manual handling, motion sickness, and shared accommodation during sea voyages.
Working Conditions & Travel
10. Standard working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday.
11. Requirement for early mornings, evenings, weekends, and night shifts, particularly during survey work.
12. Marine group: work at sea in challenging weather conditions.
13. Freshwater group: work on small boats in lakes and rivers.
14. UK and Ireland travel may be required.
15. AFBI operates a flexi-working system.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must demonstrate:
16. Five GCSEs (Grades A*-C / 9-4) including Maths, English, and one science subject (Biology, Chemistry, or Physics) or equivalent.
17. Experience working in a scientific field or laboratory environment.
18. Experience working in challenging environmental conditions.
19. A full, current UK manual driving licence (or exchangeable equivalent).
Shortlisting Criteria (if required)
20. At least 30 days' experience working at sea or on freshwater bodies (research or commercial vessels).
21. At least 6 months' experience participating in aquatic science surveys, including methodologies, preparation, data collection, and data entry
Why Join AFBI?
22. Work with one of the UK's leading research organisations.
23. Gain unique field and lab experience in marine and freshwater science.
24. Contribute to evidence-based science that supports government policy, environmental protection, and sustainable fisheries.
25. Be part of a team delivering research from "the soil to the sea."