Marine Biologist - South Georgia

UKRI•Georgia Center, VT

9h•Onsite

About The Position

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs. There is currently a vacancy for a marine biologist to work at the research laboratory at King Edward Point (KEP) on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. The successful candidate will assist with the laboratory and field-based research programme undertaken by BAS on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). The research undertaken at KEP is science in support of the conservation and management of the South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, including science underpinning the management of the krill, toothfish and icefish fisheries. Successful candidates will be expected to undertake field, seagoing and laboratory work to support all areas of KEP science. Populations of land-breeding marine predators (e.g. penguins, flying seabirds and seals) are monitored to understand the impacts of climate change, fisheries and the recovery of the island’s ecosystems from historical exploitation. The team at KEP undertake monitoring of population size and reproductive success of species such as Antarctic fur seals, Southern elephant seals, giant petrels and gentoo penguins. This work will involve regular trips to study beaches close to the station for population monitoring throughout the breeding seasons. Some specific data collection includes animal handling, for this reason animal handling experience is highly desirable. Some of the survey work will be undertaken by UAVs, so any previous experience with UAVs would be valuable. The scientific programme at KEP also includes regular biological surveying of the coastal waters of South Georgia, including acoustic surveys for Antarctic krill and collection of plankton and oceanographic data from the South Georgia patrol vessel, Pharos SG. Laboratory work will include the analysis of specimens from the coastal sampling programme and the commercial fisheries. The work will be focused on the commercially important Patagonian toothfish, Antarctic Krill and mackerel icefish but will include research on a range of other associated species and bycatch. Feeding ecology, distribution, growth and reproductive ecology are the main research areas where you will be expected to provide data that help to underpin the sustainable management of fish resources at South Georgia. You will be required to participate in ship-based surveys of the commercially important species of South Georgia and could be asked to spend time at sea on commercial fishing vessels. The day-to-day management of the laboratory facilities is an important element of the post, including hosting visiting scientists. You will help to prepare data and reports as required and produce scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals where appropriate. The research laboratory at King Edward Point, South Georgia opened in March 2001 following the departure of the military garrison from the island. The station boasts well-equipped analytical and wet laboratories, a scientific library and modern computer facilities linked to the BAS headquarters in Cambridge. A high quality, accommodation block provides comfortable living conditions for the personnel on station. Over winter the station has a BAS complement of eight: - two scientists and six support staff including a doctor. The station personnel also provide logistical support for the GSGSSI Government Officers, and the South Georgia Museum located at the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken. The post is a fixed term appointment of 29 months which includes up to 3 months pre-departure training in Cambridge, UK and a 26-month deployment to King Edward Point Research Station, South Georgia. The recruited marine biologist will work in tandem with the current Marine Biologist at KEP (who will be in the second season of their deployment) and report to the Marine and Fisheries Scientist at BAS, Cambridge. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety regulations on the station and in the field. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife, who will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment. This position is suitable for those seeking a challenging role in support of polar science, with opportunities to appreciate stunning coastal scenery and the wildlife inhabiting this amazing island.

Requirements

Awarded an Honours degree in marine science (or equivalent) by the interview date
Ability to work at sea
Marine science background with experience in fisheries science and/or marine predator biology
Field data collection and management
Awareness of risk assessments and safety management plans for field work
Animal handling experience (e.g. marine predator or large animal handling)
At-sea fieldwork experience (e.g. deploying oceanographic instruments, plankton trawls, seabird or marine mammal observations)
Degree standard computing and IT
Proficient in written and spoken English language
Accurate science reporting to deadlines
Presentation skills – e.g. science presentations
Self-motivated and can work unsupervised
Ability to prioritise tasks and act on own initiative
Able to make considered judgement calls during high-risk field operations or when responding to incidents
Ability to work harmoniously with a close-knit team and mix positively with others in a remote environment
Ability to work remotely with minimum supervision
You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions
You must be fit and physically capable of working on rugged terrain and at sea on research surveys

Nice To Haves

A master’s degree in marine science
Basic laboratory management skills
Experience using UAVs
Knowledge of outdoor first aid
Experience of statistical, database and/or GIS software applications (e.g. R, ArcGIS)
Experience contributing to peer-review publications

Responsibilities

To assist with all aspects of the implementation of the research programme at King Edward Point, South Georgia.
To undertake monitoring of key populations of marine predators as part of established long term monitoring efforts.
To undertake both laboratory and field research and participate in ship-based scientific surveys.
To prepare data and reports as required and produce scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals where appropriate.
To assist with the update of the scientific database.