Senior Scientist

Salary: Senior Scientist Grade: £22k - £27k + benefit package

Scientist Grade: £16k – 22k + benefit package

(Your experience/skills will determine where on a scale you start and no assumption of starting on the bottom rung should be made)

Location: Manchester, Cardiff, Dorset, Edinburgh

APEM Limited is Europe’s largest specialist aquatic science consultancy, offering our clients an integrated approach to every aspect of the scientific study and management of freshwater and marine habitats.  We havemore than 20 years’ experience of the analysis of aquatic biological samples and one of the leading aquatic biological laboratory facilities in Europe. With the advent of the EU Water Framework Directive, and its accent on assessing ecological status, it’s crucial to be able to accurately identify the taxonomic groups sampled from the aquatic environment.  As a result of APEM’s continued growth we are currently seeking high-calibre and motivated aquatic scientists to join our growing teams, based at our four laboratories.

APEM BioLabs is synonymous with high-quality analysis, large capacity and fast-turnaround.  Clients either send us their samples directly or they are collected by APEM Limited as part of a wider project.  The specification of analyses provided is tailored to the needs of the project, with flexibility being one of our strongest qualities. APEM Limited is a champion in fostering the specialist taxonomic skills that are in increasingly short supply and is committed to providing rewarding careers and long-term professional development for aquatic taxonomists.

We are seeking applicants for Laboratory Scientist and Senior Laboratory Scientist grades who are appropriately experienced, with specialist knowledge in one or more of the following fields:

Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy

For the Laboratory Scientist grade, you will be qualified to at least BSc level in a relevant subject and will have at least 1 year’s experience in the analysis of samples to species level. Your taxonomic skills should be excellent and you will be able to work efficiently under a strict internal Analytic Quality Control system, ensuring the timely delivery of the highest quality data to our clients. You will help develop APEM’s ongoing participation in external quality control schemes and to this end a thorough understanding of the operation and implementation of industry-standard AQC protocols is highly desirable. Although primarily laboratory based, you will also be expected to undertake fieldwork from time to time, involving travel around the UK and potentially working away from home for several days. Experience of deploying standard sampling methods is desirable. We would encourage employees to undertake data analysis; therefore, expertise in statistical analysis and/or the application of biotic indices is desirable, as is the ability to write and communicate effectively.

For the Senior Laboratory Scientist grade, in addition to a BSc and preferably a MSc, you will have at least 5 years’ experience in the analysis of samples to species level. Candidates must demonstrate experience of training staff and a proven track record of participation in AQC systems as well as experience of carrying out AQC or audit of other analysts' samples. Additional expertise in specialist groups is desirable. A proven ability to organise efficient laboratory work schedules, to meet tight deadlines and to deliver projects within budget will be essential for achieving success in this role. Additional knowledge of the statistical analysis of data and a proven ability to write clear, concise reports and competitive project proposals is expected for the Senior Scientist position.

If you think you have what it takes, click the online application form.  Completed application forms should be emailed together with a covering letter and an up-to-date copy of your CV to recruitment@apemltd.co.uk by 13th February 2012.

Please state ‘SENIOR LAB application’ or ‘LAB application’ as the subject heading of the e-mail and ensure you have included all documentation as requested above.  If you are invited for interview, this will include an identification test of a relevant invertebrate or phytoplankton sample.