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About the job
Job summary
Cefas are seeking a numerical scientist to contribute towards understanding and quantifying interdependencies between the core challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and food provisioning. This role will involve cross-cutting quantitative research across all four of Cefas science themes (Ecosystem Change, Food from Water, Healthy Seafood, Environment and People) to quantify the causes and consequences of biodiversity change, with internal and external collaboration across diverse disciplines. The applied science will be both hypothesis-driven and solution-orientated, and require advanced programming skills, the ability to handle big-data, develop and apply novel statistical techniques.
Cefas biodiversity science draws together scientists from across disciplines, bridging expertise in quantitative ecology, ecosystems, environmental change, biology, mathematics, socio-economics, and natural capital. Through quantifying the capacity of the oceans to support human needs, Cefas provide UK and overseas governments with impartial science, evidence, and advice to support decisions on how to deliver against the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and ambitions such as those set out in the UK Marine Strategy and Defras 25 Year Environment Plan.
Encouraging diverse applicants
We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible and we hope to attract applications from under-represented groups, including black, Asian and ethnic minority people, those with a disability and those with gender diverse identities.
Job description
You will identify statistical relationships that help to explain the geographic patterns and temporal trends in the distribution of marine biodiversity, and the scale and impact of human activities.
You will help to develop and apply novel and emerging analytical techniques to further understanding of, for example, species distributions (e.g., those commercially exploited, or of conservation concern), food web structure and dynamics, environmental change and anthropogenic impacts on the distribution of species and biodiversity, and the consequences of changes in management measures.
You will exploit existing Cefas and other datasets and literature to synthesise information, and disseminate findings through high-impact outputs, such as peer-reviewed publications and policy briefs.
You will interact with Cefas scientists from a wide range of scientific disciplines.
Over time, we expect you to develop externally funded autonomous and collaborative research in related areas of macroecology, community ecology, theoretical ecology and ecoinformatics.
Person specification
Applicants from a variety of backgrounds including ecology, mathematics, statistics, physics and computer science are encouraged to apply.
We expect effective communication skills with the ability to present findings, IT literacy including data analysis, good team working and problem-solving skills, and the ability to plan workload and programmes.
The following are other essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
- Excellent statistical and programming skills, e.g., application of hierarchical, spatio-temporal models and machine learning in R
- Ability to bring together and handle large volumes of data from disparate sources
- Excellent team working skills
- Ability to identify and solve problems proactively and collaboratively, as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Innovative, well-motivated, organised and flexible
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to explain complex solutions to both specialists and non-specialists
- An understanding of how science could be applied in a government context.
Applicants should also have a published record of success in ecosystem science or a closely related field.
Behaviours
We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
Technical skills
We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Excellent programming skills using software such as R and Python
- Data analysis and modelling. These could include, but are not limited to, machine learning, Random Forests, neural networks, Bayesian hierarchical models and occupancy models, linear and non-linear mixed-effects models (GLMs, GLMMs, GAMs, GAMMs), and use
Benefits
- 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
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- Eight public holidays a year plus an additional day in memory of the late Queen’s birthday
- Staff recognition scheme
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience) and a personal statement of up to 750 words on how you meet the essential criteria and technical skills advertised.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
Sift
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted on your demonstration of the essential criteria and technical skills, as evidenced in the personal statement. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Interview schedule and details will be confirmed on release of the sift results.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the behaviours and technical skills.
You may be required to give a presentation. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation. We may also ask you to provide a copy of your publications record.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour, Changing and Improving, may be used by the panel.
Interviews will be held in person at Lowestoft.
Location
Please be aware that this role(s) will be contractually based in a Defra group workplace/office. 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.
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 youre 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 offenses. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicants 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).
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Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cefas Resourcing
- Email : resourcing@cefas.co.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.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 here to visit Civil Service Commission.
