New vacancies at Cefas

Cefas is a thriving, scientific research centre delivering solutions to meet the diverse needs of organisations active in marine, coastal & freshwater environments.

Cefas is changing very quickly and as part of this we are driving through a transformation programme that includes investment in major new laboratory facilities and resulting in exciting opportunities for the following permanent posts. Initially based at Burnham on Crouch but relocating to Lowestoft during 2008.

We also expect to have a number of other scientific vacancies, which are likely to include posts in Marine Environmental Impact Assessment, and leading Hydrocarbons work. Look out from them in January in New Scientist and our website which is always up to date.

Senior Seabed Mapper, Ref: 56/07 c.£21,928 - £36,000 pa depending on experience

You will join and augment a team of scientists engaged in mapping seabed habitats. Responsible for specific projects, from conception to reporting as part of a team undertaking marine habitat mapping programmes, you will have a higher degree in a biological, environmental or geophysical science. Demonstrable experience of project managing and reporting of projects concerned with the mapping of marine habitats. This will be supported with an understanding of the utility of remote techniques and the capability of acoustic techniques for characterising and mapping seabed habitats. Experience of survey and experimental planning and design is essential. You must be adaptable and able to function effectively in a fast-paced environment. You will have a sound understanding of the wider role of benthos in the marine ecosystem and an international perspective of past and ongoing habitat mapping programmes through involvement in relevant fora. Team-working and leadership skills, the ability to work with specialists in other disciplines and excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the potential to provide regulatory advice to non-specialists, are also essential along with a record of peer-reviewed publications.

Regulatory Chemist, Ref: 60/07 c.£22,928 to £28,548 pa

This important customer facing role will enable you to join a team of scientists engaged in the assessment of the hazardous properties of chemicals used by the oil and gas industry. You will have active liaison with the chemical supply industry to ensure sufficient quality assured data to enable full hazard assessments of their products. A degree, higher degree, or equivalent, in chemistry or environmental science is essential. This will be supported with a comprehensive knowledge of chemicals, their properties relevant to hazard assessment and of chemical structures and how they relate to fate and effects in the environment. You must be able to demonstrate your ability to organise and prioritise effectively in a multi-task environment. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are also essential as well as report writing and presentation skills. With experience of working in a customer-facing role, you will be used to working with standard office software for data manipulation and presentation. Experience of working within the Oil and Gas industry, a regulatory environment or an understanding of marine environmental impact assessment would also be preferable.

Chemical Hazard Assesors, Ref: 61/07 c.£18,434 to £23,811 pa

You will join a team of scientists engaged in the assessment of the hazardous properties of chemicals used by the oil and gas industry. With a degree or equivalent in Chemistry or Environmental Science and familiarity with chemicals and their hazardous properties are essential. You must be able to demonstrate your ability to organise and prioritise effectively. Excellent inter-personal skills, experience of standard office software for data manipulation and presentations are essential. An awareness of marine environmental impact assessment, report writing skills and experience of providing advice to non-specialists on matters relating to environmental impacts of human activities are all preferable, as is experience of working in a customer facing role.

Our competitive salaries plus performance related bonus of up to 10% of salary are supported by a comprehensive benefits package that includes the flexibility of either final salary or a stakeholder pension.

For further details and to apply on line please go to www.cefas.jobs. Closing date for the above posts: 2 January 2008.

Cefas is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Part-time working and job share applicants are welcome. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Cefas is an Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. An equal opportunity employer.