Coastal Ocean Modeller

An innovative and adaptable, highly numerate individual is needed to join the Cefas Shelf Seas Modelling team. You will be involved in a range of modelling activities relevant to ocean and coastal processes, working with, and learning from, a group of highly experienced modellers. Cefas is involved in a huge range of evidence gathering activities, including field measurements, numerical modelling, and assessments to support both government partners and commercial contracts. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary group of oceanographers, biogeochemists, marine ecologists, fisheries scientists, hydrodynamic and ecosystem modellers, to deliver high-quality applied marine science for a wide range of projects around the UK and overseas. Your work will make a difference to the serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security to secure a sustainable blue future for all.

Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.

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Job description

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

The successful applicant for this post will be involved in a range of modelling activities relevant to ocean and coastal environments. For example, linking catchments to coastal water quality and pollution dispersal or considering coastal resilience to future wave climates and sea level rise. You will use modelling to help improve our understanding of the relative importance of human and climate impacts on marine ecosystems. In addition to using numerical models, you will also be responsible for analysis, interpretation, and publication of model results. You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team, including oceanographers, biogeochemists, marine ecologists, and fisheries scientists, so proven communication and inter-personal skills are essential.

This role provides an exciting opportunity to learn and develop within a team of experienced hydrodynamic and ecosystem modellers. We are seeking an individual with a good knowledge of numerical modelling, including programming languages and large data analysis methods. Prior experience working with coastal ocean models would be advantageous. However, you should have a desire to expand your knowledge of modelling techniques and broader marine science applications.

While the ability to travel is not specifically required, Cefas is working with many overseas partners so there may be opportunities to travel.

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:

Cefas is seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable numerical modeller to support the delivery of high-quality applied marine science, for a variety of projects and customers, both within the UK and overseas.

Running hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models, coding in a variety of programming languages (mostly Python), processing and visualising large data sets, will form the core of this role. To perform these tasks, you would be expected to make use of high performance computing resources.

Writing reports, liaising with members of the team and delivering to project timelines will also be an important part of the job. As such, you should have a good understanding of ocean or coastal processes and be an effective communicator.

You must also be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in these areas:

• Good interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to communicate technical information to a range of audiences;
• Excellent scientific and technical writing skills (e.g., reports or journal articles);
• Large data analysis, interpretation, and programming skills (e.g., python, MATLAB, Fortran, or similar);
• Experience using numerical models, and desire to learn more about coastal ocean modelling; and
• Hold a PhD in numerical modelling in the field of marine or atmospheric science (e.g., oceanography, marine engineering, or meteorology), or alternatively, a degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject as well as demonstrating having the relevant work experience as required and shown in the person specification. 

Qualifications

Hold a PhD in numerical modelling in the field of marine or atmospheric science (e.g., oceanography, marine engineering, or meteorology), or alternatively, a degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject as well as demonstrating having the relevant work experience as required and shown in the person specification.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Changing and Improving

We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:

• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.
• Data analysis, interpretation, and programming skills (for modelling and analysis of large data sets)
• Knowledge of hydrodynamic and/or biogeochemical modelling applications.

We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:

• Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £31,825, Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science contributes £8,593 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• 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

Closing date: Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 31 May 2024.