Phytoplankton Taxonomist

Overview

Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Phytoplankton taxonomy:
  The postholder will provide technical delivery in the field of phytoplankton taxonomy. This will require the use of light microscopes to identify phytoplankton (and other potentially toxic organisms, e.g., cyanobacteria) in environmental samples, to provide cell count data, and to calculate biovolumes. It will also require accurate reporting of results and preparing summaries of findings for short reports.
• Uphold Cefas quality framework:
  The postholder will work within the ISO 17025 accreditation quality framework, contributing to the ongoing successful delivery of accredited work, the streamlining of processes in compliance with the quality standard, and assisting in the digitising of the phytoplankton monitoring efforts to ensure robust future delivery.
• Develop Cefas’ phytoplankton monitoring capabilities:
  The postholder will contribute to the growth of Cefas’ expertise in phytoplankton monitoring by working alongside researchers in the development, deployment and testing of new technologies and techniques within the field of phytoplankton ecology.
• Develop technical skills:
  Phytoplankton taxonomy is a valuable technical skill which requires specialist training to achieve. The postholder will be supported with extensive in role training as well as the opportunity to participate in the IOC UNESCO international training programme on Harmful Algal identification.
• In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. 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.