Ocean Scientist - Rothera

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Ocean Scientist to join our team based in Antarctica.  BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

You’ll be joining BAS at an exciting time with the role spanning over two science teams. The first being the polar oceans team which explores the physics, chemistry and biochemistry of the Southern Ocean and high arctic waters. The second team is Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations. 

You’ll help us to deliver the ongoing biological and oceanography times series which will include taking a leading role in maintenance of aquaria and chemistry lab maintenance; CTD profiling; sea water profiling; iceberg scouring and other sampling and diving activities.

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting dedicated people like you, giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS. 

In this role, your main responsibilities will include:

• Maintenance of aquaria
• Sea water sampling
• Iceberg scouring
• Ice observations
• Support of marine biology programmes

Current projects the team are working on include an environmental impact assessment of a proposed runway extension at Rothera alongside the BAM team. This will be supporting the possibilities of acquiring a new long range aircraft link with the Falkland Islands and South America.

For the role of Rothera Ocean Scientist we are looking for somebody who:

• holds a BSc 2:1 or equivalent;
• is an experienced SCUBA diver (CMAS 3* equivalent, minimum 80 logged dives. Including 40 cold water dives <12?C / 25 drysuit dives).

You will possess a good knowledge of small boat handling and a flexible approach to problem solving.  Proficient in written and spoken English language, you will have the ability to get on in a small, tightly knit team for extended periods.  You will live and work within a small team at Rothera which integrates with a larger team in Cambridge.  In addition, you will need to be physically fit enough to cope with the working environment in Antarctica and pass a BAS medical.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop role specific skills alongside standard training provided for those living and working in the extreme polar environment. There are also opportunities to progress into other areas such as lab manager, environment advice, diving officer and station support/management roles.

If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, we’d love to hear from you!  Apply now at bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

What we offer:

As a valued employee, you’ll be eligible for benefits including an end of contract payment upon completion of a successful assignment in Antarctica, annual leave, a defined benefit pension scheme with NEST (National Employment Savings Trust) and access to 24 hours/365 days per year employee assistance programme.    In addition, you will be provided with pre-deployment training and accommodation costs.  All food, accommodation and polar clothing during Antarctic deployment will also be provided.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual.  Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.