Ecological Modeller – Cambridge

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an Ecosystem Modeller to join the Ecosystems team. This role will involve modelling the distribution and behaviour of key polar marine organisms in response to environmental changes.

We are looking for someone with a PhD in Marine Ecology or an equivalent discipline. You will need to have experience in ecosystem modelling, and a familiarity with evolutionary behaviour and bioenvelope climate modelling would also be desirable.

Following an initial training period, this role will require lone working, so we are looking for someone who is self-motivated with great time-management skills. Another key part of this role will involve presenting work and findings, so the post-holder requires excellent communication skills with the ability to present their work to a range of audiences.

Purpose

This job will principally entail the modelling of the distribution and behaviour of key polar marine organisms in response to environmental change.

The post holder will be building models to consider this problem from two different perspectives, firstly to understand how diapause behaviour may allow certain species to inhabit high latitude environments but constrain others and, secondly, to consider whether photoperiodicity places further constraints on polar invasions by temperate marine species. For the former, their role will be to map out current distributions of polar copepod species and use bioenvelope modelling to predict future distributions using best available climate projection (CMIP) models. For the latter, the post-holder will design and implement a behavioural model to predict evolutionary stable strategies for copepods of different origins to inhabit high latitude environments.

The post-holder will be part of two separate but complimentary projects, DIAPOD and CHASE, and will deliver different model products to each in collaboration with the respective research teams.

Qualification

PhD in marine ecology or equivalent.

Duties

- Synthesis of key datasets for model parameterisations.
- Design and implementation of bioenvelope model for predicting polar copepod distribution.
- Design and implementation of evolutionary behavioural model, including parameterisations for sensitivity to photoperiodic environments.
- Organisation and attendance of workshops with other members of science projects (DIAPOD and CHASE).
- Generation of science papers for publication in primary journals.
- Documentation of models for curation in appropriate data centres (e.g. PDC, BODC).
- Documentation of parameterisation data sets for curation, as above.
- Development of further proposals for potential funding.
- Any other duties within the remit of the role as required by the Head of the Service and the Director.

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 91/18

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 2nd December 2018
Interview date: 12th December 2018
Proposed start date: As soon as possible

BAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities and disabled people are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are open to a range of flexible working options including part-time or full-time employment as well as flexible hours due to caring or other commitments.