The BAS Marine Biologist investigates competition, secondary space provision, predation and diet overlap in nearshore benthos around Ryder Bay habitats. This role is a 19 month contract based at Rothera research station.
About the role
Based in Rothera, the marine biologist organises and implements the research programme involving specimen collection, stereo light-microscopy, measurement of photosynthetic rates, preserving samples, quantification of feeding rates, analyse data and preparation of data for manuscript publication. Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will investigate competition, secondary space provision, predation and diet overlap in nearshore benthos around Ryder Bay habitats (adjacent to the Rothera Research station, West Antarctic Peninsula).
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.
This is an exciting opportunity for a highly-motivated individual with relevant experience and a keen interest in marine biology to join a small Rothera-based team in organising and implementing a unique research programme.
Duties
- To organise and implement the proposed research programme, which involves:
- Specimen collection, maintenance and study.
- Underwater photography to assess feeding rates and competition.
- Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species.
- Careful dissection and preservation to analyse diet overlap and potential exploitation competition.
- Preserving samples for genetic/genomic analysis back in Cambridge.
- Good laboratory skills to measure ecological information.
- Analyse data and prepare for publication
- 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
- To undertake other duties as requested by the Director of BAS.
Who can apply?
BSc 2:1 minimum is required to fulfil this role, along with being an experienced diver capable of passing HSE commercial diving course before deployment to Antarctica.
Applications
Vacancies are advertised from January to March. Check out latest vacancies.
Register your interest with Human Resources.