Deadline : 24 février 2012
IRC122759 – MARINE FISHERIES SCIENTIST
https://irecruit-ext.hrconnect.nigov.net/jobs/vacancies-details.aspx?ID=ad162f2f-7958-4c62-93bc-1ee6be0210e9
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(AFBI – Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute)
MARINE FISHERIES SCIENTIST
DURATION: 36 months
REF: IRC122759
GRADE: Senior Scientific Officer
SALARY: £34,163 – £38,893
BRANCH: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems
LOCATION: AFBI, Newforge Lane, Belfast, BT9 5
The post-holder will initially be appointed on a fixed-term contract of 36 months, which may be extended subject to business needs. If there is a continuing business need, the fixed term contract may be converted to a permanent appointment on the completion of the initial 36 month period or any extension.
Further appointments may be made from this competition should AFBI positions become vacant which have similar duties and responsibilities.
For an application form and more detailed information, including the duties and responsibilities of the post, and the criteria to be used during the recruitment and selection process, please write, email or telephone HRConnect at:
HRConnect,
PO Box 1089,
The Metro Building,
6-9 Donegall Square South,
Belfast, BT1 9EW.
Telephone: 0800 1 300 330.
Email: recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net
Applicants are encouraged to submit an online application. However, requests for hard copy applications are welcomed and all applications will be treated equally regardless of whether they are hard copy or online.
All requests must include your name, address and reference number IRC122759.
Completed application forms must be returned to arrive not later than 12:00 noon (UK time) on Friday, 24 February 2012.
As Roman Catholics are currently known to be under represented in this grade, applications from the Roman Catholic section of the community would be particularly welcome.
AFBI is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
ALL APPLICATIONS FOR EMPLOYMENT ARE CONSIDERED STRICTLY ON THE BASIS OF MERIT.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
The post holder will report to a Principal Scientific Officer and the main duties of the post will be:
1. To conduct scientific research and analyses for fish stock assessments
The post holder will be a project leader, responsible for projects to support the sustainable management of marine fishery resources in Northern Ireland. Within this post there is a core responsibility for the assessment of commercially exploited marine fish stocks. In support of this, the post holder will participate in and oversee the coordination, collation and analysis of fishery-independent data and fishery-dependent data, obtained from port sampling, research vessel surveys and samples taken on board fishing vessels. The successful applicant will be expected to act as a scientist-in-charge of research surveys of up to 3 weeks duration.
The post holder may also propose, after discussions with his/her line manager, and other scientists, supporting research projects that address the biology, population structure and dynamics of marine fish stocks in waters off Northern Ireland, in support of development and implementation of local, national and EU fishery management policy.
The post holder will supervise and participate in these projects and ensure that conclusions arising are communicated to appropriate stakeholders. The post holder will also be expected to prepare reports arising from the projects and publish findings in scientific journals.
2. To deliver specialist advice
The post holder will provide advisory support on the assessment of marine fish stocks and provide informed opinion to AFBI, DARD and other customers on issues relating to the sustainable management of marine fish resources and the implications of policies. When required, the post holder will represent AFBI on appropriate scientific and technical committees within Ireland, UK and the EU. Such representation should enhance his/her own and the Institute’s reputation.
3. To manage staff and resources
The post holder will manage a small group of technical support staff to maximise their efficiency and to facilitate their personal and professional development. The post holder will also be responsible for the management of delegated resources.
4. To undertake continuous professional development
The post holder must maintain an up to date knowledge and awareness of developments in marine fisheries science. In addition, the post holder should be prepared to attend and participate in scientific conferences and workshops. He/she should also utilise training courses to enhance his/her personal development and the organisation’s scientific reputation.
5. To fulfil other duties
The post holder will be required to fulfil any other duties and responsibilities as determined by management that fall within the ambit of the post. The job description is not intended to be rigid and inflexible, but should be regarded as working guidelines within which the post will work.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must, by the closing date for applications have:
1. A degree in a biological science, mathematics, statistics or appropriate IT subject (at least 2:2); and
2. At least 4 years research experience, gained within the past 8 years, on some aspect of fisheries science, including participation in field surveys and data gathering interpretation of data and presentation of reports. This research period shall include any period spent in gaining a post-graduate qualification that involved fisheries research work; and
3. At least 1 years experience, gained within the past 4 years, of quantitative analytical methods used in fisheries science. Experience of applying numerical modelling / data analysis to biological systems using high level programming skills (e.g. R, Visual Basic, FORTRAN, C) is essential; and
4. Successful delivery of at least one paper in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.
Candidates must provide evidence of this by submitting a fully cited bibliography of all refereed publications. If necessary, this bibliography can be sent as a separate attachment, either electronically to HRConnect recruitment@hrconnect.nigov.net including the Competition Reference Number, Competition Title and Candidate Name or by hard copy; and
5. Access to a form of transport which will permit the candidate to meet the requirements of the post in full.
Applications will also be considered from applicants with relevant formal qualifications considered by the selection panel to be of an equivalent or higher standard to those stated.
Relevant or equivalent qualifications: give the type of qualification and date awarded (the date awarded is the date on which you were notified of your result by the official awarding body). If you believe your qualification is equivalent to the one required, the onus is on you to provide the panel with details of modules studied etc so that a well-informed decision can be made.
SHORTLISTING CRITERIA
In addition applicants should be aware that after an eligibility sift, should it be necessary to shortlist candidates to go forward to interview, the following shortlisting criteria will be used:
1. At least one year’s experience of fisheries stock assessment.