Job Description
The Purpose of this post is to deliver coastal oceanography and geomorphology projects within Cefas’ portfolio for commercial,governmental and academic clients. The focus of the work is to develop and deliver science based evidence programmes to specific coastal sites and assessment of environmental risks to proposed developments as well as their potential impacts on coastal processes during the full lifetime of these developments.
Cefas is seeking a highly-motivated coastal scientist to conduct research within our coastal science portfolio, which includes applications to build and operate new coastally sited nuclear power stations and infrastructure . The work involves contributing to an integrated programme of marine physical, chemical and biological studies, addressing issues ranging from the effects of construction, cooling water abstraction and thermo-chemical discharges on the marine environment, to advice on the siting of infrastructure and environmentally-derived operational risks. The coastal geomorphology and oceanography component of the portfolio considers how developments and associated coastal defences will impact the nearshore zone, including potential impacts on ecology, sediment transport and coastal configuration. It also examines changes to coastal processes and coastal morphology, including extreme events (> 100 years) to inform both design and the regulatory processes.
You will have skills and clear evidence of experience in the field of coastal dynamics and geomorphology; knowledge of coastal engineering is also desirable.
You will be responsible for developing and delivering high-level cutting edge science that enables our customers to construct and operate their power stations with minimal environmental impact.
You will be required to synthesize large datasets from a variety of sources and conduct advanced analyses on these.
You will demionstrate a good track record in the production of peer reviewed reports to a high standard, and be able to communicate effectively with project colleagues (numerical modellers, ecologists), our clients, other environmental consultants and regulators. We require a colleague that can work effectively within a team structure and develop and/or lead new work as required. Your skills and general outlook will permit you to confidently expand into new areas and/or undertake new tasks that are beyond your present field of experience. Excellent written English and communication skills are essential.
Security
If you are a successful candidate you will be expected to undertake Basic Checks.
Competence 1
Collaborating and Partnering.
Competence 2
Making Effective Decisions.
Competence 3
Delivering at Pace.
Competence 4
Additional Competency.
Competence 4 – Detail
Professional Excellence; You must have a strong and demonstrable understanding of coastal systems and coastal processes; You must be numerate and skilled in the analysis and interpretation of coastal datasets (e.g., waves, tides, sediment transport, coastal morphology). An important aspect of your analytical skills will be competency in computer programming (e.g., python, fortran, R) and the ability to work with spatial datasets using GIS or equivalent tools; The ability to use and/or interpret the results of numerical models is essentail. Skills in planning and conducting fieldwork are desirable, as is a flexible approach to changing requirements and challenging deadlines; The successful candidate must be able to communicate effectively with clients, scientific colleagues and regulators in writing (scientific articles and reports), presentations and at meetings. Demonstration of high quality scientific writing skills eg technical reports and scientific journal articiles must be provided. Previous experience of managing applied or commercial science projects is advantageous; Travel to meetings and field sites in the UK will be required for this post and a full driving licence would be desirable. You will work as part of a large inter-disciplinary group and you must be adept at both working on your own and as part of a team.
Qualification(s)
You will ideally have a PhD and relevant experience in an appropriate coastal dynamics, geomorphology or coastal engineering discipline.