Job description
Higher Scientific Officer Seabed mapping specialist for MONI project
Location: Newforge Lane
Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week (variable due to the nature of work)
Salary: £37,694 per annum
About AFBI & the Agri-Environment Branch
The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) delivers world-class science to support agriculture, the environment, and the wider economy. Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), AFBI provides evidence-based research and monitoring that informs government policy and promotes sustainability in Northern Ireland and beyond.
Key Responsibilities
A seabed mapping specialist at Higher Scientific Officer (HSO) grade is required for the AFBI FAEB Mapping Offshore Northern Ireland (MONI) Project. The HSO will be based at AFBI Headquarters, Newforge Lane, Belfast and work in AFBI, EMSD, FAEB, reporting directly to a Senior Scientific Officer in FAEB. The main duties of the post will be to:
1. Contribute to the delivery of the MONI project
Under direction of the Senior Scientific Officer in the FAEB Marine Ecology Programme's seabed mapping project, the Higher Scientific Officer (HSO) will co‑ordinate and develop scientific techniques to map the seabed of Northern Ireland's Coastal Zone and immediate offshore area to inform the MONI project.
2. The successful candidate will plan and co‑ordinate surveys, sample analyses and data analyses for use in the development of seabed characterisation maps through predictive means. They will compile data to add to the long-term benthic data archive which underpins seabed characterisation and ecological assessment of the area. The HSO will have responsibility for co-ordinating the biological dimension of the work, including the quantitative application of the use of remote sensing, underwater video and other new technologies.
3. Plan sampling locations to ensure adequate coverage of hydrographically surveyed areas and MPAs to inform predictive mapping being developed under the MONI project.
4. Conduct research into the spatial distribution of marine features and species of conservation importance within Northern Ireland territorial waters.
5. Contribute to development of methods for determining seabed 'habitat' extent and condition monitoring to inform subsequent natural capital inventory and assessment.
6. When required attend and participate in scientific conferences and workshops to enhance their own and the organisation's scientific reputation.
7. Collate and develop best practice on production of seabed characterisation maps and develop plans that mobilise existing data and make use of the best available scientific knowledge to ensure mapping techniques are representative of the seabed and statistically robust.
8. This will be a varied and interesting post in an applied, cross disciplinary scientific field, with excellent opportunities to build professional relationships with colleagues across the UK and Ireland and provide experience of collaborative working in large international projects.
9. They will be responsible for managing an ASO GIS analyst to assist in seabed mapping work.
Essential Criteria
Applicants must have, by the closing date for applications:
10. PhD in Marine/Biological Science
OR
11. Degree, equivalent or higher in Marine/Biological Science with 2 years' demonstrable experience in a research capacity post qualification in marine biology and evidence of being a named author in a scientific paper.
Experience should Include:
A demonstrable understanding of marine data standards and experience in the implementation of marine data management protocols