About the job

Job summary

If you have an interest in the marine environment and would like to play a part in ensuring the sustainable management of Scotland’s shellfish fisheries, then we would like to hear from you.

Applications are invited for two Shellfish Stock Assessment Scientist posts in the Sea Fisheries Team of the Science, Evidence, Data and Digital Portfolio of the Marine Directorate (MD-SEDD) of the Scottish Government.  The post holders will play a key role in research and advice, and will be responsible for conducting stock assessments and analysis in support of advice on sustainable shellfish fisheries management.  The post holders will have delegated responsibility for specific areas of work, will be able to identify key questions and knowledge gaps and be able to develop approaches to address these.  This will involve collaboration with other scientists, participation in scientific fora, and there will be a need to apply state of the art modelling and statistical analysis to complex data sets.  In the first instance, one post will focus on scallop stock assessment modelling and data analysis while the other will focus on crustaceans.

The Sea Fisheries Team is based at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen and currently consists of around 45 staff with responsibilities including the collection and quality assurance of fishery and survey sampling data, along with stock assessment modelling, analysis and the provision of scientific advice on fisheries management.  The evidence base provided by the team enables the management of Scotland's fisheries in a manner to create a strong, dynamic and productive economy which creates wealth and employment across Scotland, whilst recognising that our economy must be environmentally sustainable, inclusive and benefit all our people and communities.

Job description

• Prepare and analyse fishery and biological data for use in stock assessments and in support of other fisheries management related research. This will require interrogating databases, compilation and critical evaluation of fishery and survey data, and analysing and presenting data using appropriate software.

• Represent MD-SEDD at national and international scientific research and advisory meetings, providing expert scientific input, presenting scientific results, preparing reports and advice for publication in the public domain, and providing critical evaluation of stock assessments and other fisheries management related research. This will include representing MD-SEDD at ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) scientific working groups.

• Carry out stock assessments and contribute population modelling and analytical expertise to research projects on stock assessment and the evaluation of shellfish fisheries management strategies. The post-holder will have delegated responsibility for particular aspects of work and will also be required to work collaboratively in other areas.

• Conduct fieldwork as part of MSS’ catch sampling and research vessel survey programmes. This will involve carrying out on-shore sampling trips, following agreed sampling protocols and safe working practices. The post holder will also be expected to participate in MD-SEDD’s shellfish and/or finfish surveys, working at sea for periods of up to 21 days.

 
Competencies
Self-Awareness

Improving Performance.

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Communications and Engagement

You will be assessed via the Science Specialist Competency Framework

Person specification

Qualifications

Minimum of a relevant honours degree.

Essential Criteria
1. Evidence of strong numeric ability with experience of developing models of environmental, biological or fishery systems.
2. Good computational skills with proven ability to programme in a high level language (such as R), particularly with respect to modelling and data analysis.
3. Excellent communication skills with experience of preparing reports and delivering presentations to specialist and non-specialist audiences. 

4. Strong planning and organisational skills, able to manage their own workload and prioritise effectively, dealing with competing demands.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £36,585, Scottish Government contributes £9,877 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

Sift and Interview dates TBC. Please apply using the link provided.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.