Marine Data Assistant – Cambridge

The UK Polar Data Centre (UK PDC) is the focal point for Arctic and Antarctic environmental data management in the UK. Part of the Natural Environmental Research Council’s (NERC) network of environmental data centres, and based at the British Antarctic Survey (BAS), it coordinates the management of polar data from UK-funded research and supports researchers in complying with national and international data legislation and policy. We are currently seeking a marine data assistant to work at our modern complex of offices on the outskirts of Cambridge.

The data assistant will be based in the Polar Data Centre and work closely with our existing team of data managers. There are two main aspects to this role. Firstly, to collate information to further populate our marine events database, a comprehensive record of all scientific events that have been undertaken on our research ship James Clark Ross. Secondly, to process and clean some of our holdings of multibeam bathymetric data – one of our most regularly requested datasets.

We are looking for an enthusiastic scientist or data manager with knowledge of marine science, an ability to learn quickly and who has a high level of attention to detail. You will need a degree, or equivalent work experience, in a related subject area and experience in either managing data, or processing and cleaning data. You need to be able to rapidly understand new datasets - what the data are, and how, and why, they were collected, and be good at spotting errors or quality issues in datasets. You must be able to prioritise tasks, clearly report progress and have the ability to work as a team member and independently with minimal supervision.

Purpose

To aid Polar Data Centre staff in populating a marine events database with information from legacy scientific cruises and to process multibeam bathymetric data collected during recent marine cruises.

Qualification

Degree (or equivalent work experience) in a scientific or data management subject area.

Duties

• Conduct a detailed dataset by dataset survey of what occurred on legacy marine cruises (the events), including equipment deployed, scientific observations, samples collected etc.
• Input this information into a marine events database.
• Processing and cleaning of multibeam bathymetric data.
• 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 96/18

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 11th November 2018.
Interview date: 20th November 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.