Applied Biogeochemist
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Thursday 31st October 2024
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
An opportunity exists for an Applied Biogeochemist in the Radiological and Chemical Sciences (RACS) Group. This work area comprises a diverse group of scientists who provide high quality environmental sample collection, analytical support, data interpretation and scientific advice to a comprehensive portfolio of internal and external contracts for UK and international customers.
In this role you will use your analytical expertise to measure several important biogeochemical parameters in marine environmental samples; provide technical support for the collection of samples; and partner with colleagues in other work areas across the organisation to drive scientific quality and excellence.
This role is a laboratory-based role and will require the majority of your time to be spent in the labs at our Lowestoft site. There may also be opportunities to assist with the collection of samples on research surveys and fieldwork in addition to the possibility for cross training in other work areas such as sedimentology, chemistry and radiochemistry.
The data you produce will support evidence and research relevant to eutrophication monitoring, determining stocks of blue carbon, and susceptibility of stored carbon to anthropogenic pressure. This data will support government decision making towards creating a sustainable blue future.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Job description
As an applied biogeochemist, you will be expected to assist in the day-to-day operations of the Biogeochemistry technical area laboratories. You will work as part of a team, with good communication with your Technical Manager and Science Lead. Duties will include:
- Processing and preparation of various environmental samples (sediment and water column) for a wide range of analyses, all without introducing cross contamination.
- Analytical work, including, but not restricted to:
- dissolved inorganic nutrients using a Seal Analytical AA3 continuous flow analyser
- salinity using a salinometer
- dissolved oxygen using a Winkler titration
- porosity in sediments using gravimetric method
- determination of chlorophyll in both water and sediment using acetone extraction and spectrophotometric and fluorometric analysis
- gravimetric determination of suspended particulate matter (SPM)
- Work may include method development and validation of new techniques, e.g. coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) and total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN).
- Miscellaneous duties associated with general laboratory housekeeping activities (maintaining a clean, tidy, and professional work facility, calibration of equipment, preparation of reagents, keeping track of lab consumables and reagents and replenish in a timely manner where required).
- Working in a safe and efficient manner, adhering to Risk Assessments (RA), Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) risk assessments, and Standard Operating Procedures (SOP). This will include working in accordance with formal quality systems (e.g. ISO9001).
- Assisting in the running and maintenance of analytical equipment.
- Preparation of survey kit preparation for water sample collection.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- A passion for the Marine Environment, particularly marine biogeochemical cycles;
- Highly self-motivated with sound problem solving skills and attention to detail;
- Organised, with the ability to work autonomously;
- Inclusive team worker with good communication skills;
- Aware of what good health and safety culture looks like and is able to follow Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures;
- Basic IT skills in Word and Excel and preferably other data analysis software such as python or R; and
- A degree in Chemistry, Marine Science, Environmental Science or other similar science (including Open Science), however, equivalent experience such as working in a laboratory environment and meeting all criteria within this person specification would be considered.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
- Delivering at Pace
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Working Together
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday.
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role.
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options.
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity.
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers.
- In-year award scheme.
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Working Together.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Working Together.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Working Together. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or, progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the three listed behaviours, your experience (as stated in the person specification section) and strengths.
You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held in person at our Lowestoft site.
If shortlisted for interview, you may also be invited to undertake a non-assessed optional laboratory tour on the day of your interview.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Working Together will be used by the panel.
Location
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s).
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
In addition, for this particular Applied Biogeochemist role role, it will be a laboratory-based role and will require the majority of your time to be spent in the labs at our Lowestoft site. There may also be opportunities to assist with the collection of samples on research surveys and fieldwork in addition to the possibility for cross training in other work areas such as sedimentology, chemistry and radiochemistry.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Please be aware that this role is based at our main location in Lowestoft.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Merit Lists
Where more than one location is advertised, candidates will be posted in merit order by location. You will be asked to state your location preference on your application.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
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).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cally Wiles or Alec Wilson
- Email : resourcing@cefas..gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@defra.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click https://civilservicecommission.independent.gov.uk/contact-us/ to visit Civil Service Commission.
