Marine Aquarium Technician

Duration: Open-ended appointment

Benefits: We offer generous benefits

Team: Laboratories

Location: BAS Cambridge and Antarctica

Job Profile: Job Profile document

Description

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for an exceptional Marine Aquarium Technician to join our Laboratory Management Team.  BAS delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe!

You’ll be joining our Laboratory Management Team, who provide operational and multi-disciplinary science support for laboratories across the BAS portfolio of facilities; at Cambridge, NERC Arctic Research Station, five Antarctic Research Stations, and on board the RRS Sir David Attenborough.

You’ll help us to deliver cutting edge scientific research into topics relating to climate change and Polar biodiversity, such as the resilience of marine fish and invertebrates to changes in temperature and salinity. You will help deliver the transition to the new Marine Aquarium Facility and promotion of the facility to the UK Science Community.

Within the role, there will be an opportunity to develop technical knowledge in specialist care of polar marine animals, facility management skills and science research skills, as well as a range of soft skills and professional registration (UKRI Technician Commitment).

You’ll be joining a world-leading interdisciplinary research organisation, that is committed to recruiting talented people like you, progressing your career and giving you the support, you need to thrive at BAS.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Carry out daily animal husbandry duties Including feeds, health checks, water changes, water quality tests (may also include maintaining algae cultures)
• Operate life support systems (filtration, pumps, BMS etc), incorporating daily checks, to maintain a healthy/safe environment for the animals.
• Ensure facility complies with all health and safety requirements (COSHH, risk assessment)
• Ordering of equipment, consumables and supplies associated with the aquarium and experimental facilities, including organizing service and repair contracts (to meet Laboratory Sustainability and Net Zero targets)

(Download job description for full details).

For the role of Marine Aquarium Technician we are looking for somebody who:

• HND or degree (or equivalent experience) in marine biology or aquaculture
• Experience in aquarium management or animal husbandry
• Practical skills in aquarium system maintenance
• Knowledge and understanding of H&S procedures (e.g. COSHH, Risk Assessments) and safe working practices in a laboratory environment
• A strong interest in marine science research
• You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions

(Download job description for full details).

Current science projects the team are working on include alteration of invertebrate gut biomes, effects of melting glaciers on invertebrates, changes to fish camouflage pigmentation, and development of new techniques in high resolution microscopy and eDNA detection methods.

Working at BAS is rewarding.  Our skilled science, operational and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs.  British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which is part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

As a valued member of our team, you’ll be eligible for the following benefits:

• 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays and 2.5 privilege days
• Excellent civil service pension (with 26% or more employer contribution, depending on your band)
• 24 hours/365 days access to employee assistance programme (EAP – including support with physical, mental, social, health and financial issues)
• Flexible and family friendly working opportunities
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to discounted shopping on a range of retail, leisure and lifestyle categories and much more.
• Hybrid working cannot be supported due to the nature of this role

If we’ve just described you, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now via the ‘Apply’ button above.

What experiences can we offer you?

At BAS we believe everyone plays a vital role, is unique and valued, therefore, we embrace diversity as well as equality of opportunity and are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming working environment where everyone’s unique perspectives are valued.

Different perspectives and collaborative working help us achieve our best work and come together to form a high performing team which makes positive changes in the business. That’s the power of every individual.  Our cultural values are built on mutual respect, inclusion, commitment and excellence.

If you are looking for an opportunity to work with world class and amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you.