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CoCliME postdoctoral position in Ireland

16 May 2019

Oceanography in the Marine Institute

Oceanographic Services (OS) is responsible for the national ocean observing infrastructure including the national weather buoy and tide gauge networks, developing and using ocean forecast, hindcast and climate models, acquisition and quality assurance of Irish oceanographic data, servicing oceanographic data requests and providing a lead in the MI’s climate activities including the contribution to national climate coordination and marine climate policy support. In addition, OS supports various activities at the two SEAI wave energy test sites and the delivery of multiple EU funded oceanographic and climate research projects. The OS team will be central to expansion of oceanographic and climate capacity within the Marine Institute underpinning national monitoring programmes such as MSFD, ocean modelling and forecasting in support of national policy and sustainable marine development. These services will be further improved by expansion in research activity and participation in EU projects, programmes and fora driven by the EU Blue Growth and Atlantic strategy programmes. It is anticipated that the OS team will be expanded internally and that other MI capacity build initiatives will further augment activity in this area.

Summary of the role:

The Marine Institute is seeking a self-motivated, enthusiastic Post-Doctoral Data Analyst to work on the co-development of Climate Services for Adaptation to Changing Marine Ecosystems (CoCliME) Project.

Principle tasks:

The principal tasks of the CoCliME PDR will relate to data extraction, collation and analyses of biological (Harmful Algal Bloom species), chemical (biotoxins) and physical (derived from models) variables from datasets housed in the Marine Institute and identification of relationships with ocean phenomena identified and validated in MI coastal hydrodynamic models. The PDR will liaise closely with HAB/Biotoxin and modelling specialists at the MI.

The CoCliME PDR will take responsibility for tasks necessary for the completion of the Marine Institute components of CoCliME. Two key tasks that are the responsibility of the MI are to (i) co-develop and co-produce bespoke, proof-of-concepts or prototype bespoke HAB event climate service for Atlantic use case study to support informed future decision making based on intensive user co-development, exploitation of existing data sets and new scientific knowledge (ii) Develop best practices and a transferable framework of the climate service developed in CoCliME.

The CoCliME PDR will:

  • Coordinate the assessment of algal blooms/biotoxin events that have been associated with severe impacts over the past decades and to identify clear links with physical variables from the MI 3D hydrodynamic model. The PDR will be familiar with and conversant in statistical modelling methodologies, and will work closely with both the biotoxin/phytoplankton and numerical modelling teams in the MI to facilitate the identification and extraction of relevant data.
  • Assemble existing and relevant MI phytoplankton, biotoxin and modelled data to examine possible climate change signals.  Develop future predictions for the success of the various species under different climate change scenarios.
  • Analyse existing climate, climate impact and ecosystem indicators.
  • Develop best practices for a climate service to inform decision makers.
  • Working with Irish and French partners and Atlantic case study co-developers, the PDR will assess and co- develop adaptation services for the aquaculture industry, policy makers, and food safety regulators and build on existing operational HAB warning services in the NE Atlantic to increase future resilience to toxic and harmful events. Responsibilities will include evaluating the risks presented to producers by selected HABs in close cooperation with co-developers.
  • Liaise closely with staff from the Marine Shellfish Safety and Ocean Modelling teams.
  • Liaise with MI administrative staff regarding budget tracking and become familiar with reporting structures for technical and budgetary aspects for the project.
  • Prepare projects reports and relevant documentation closely adhering to project deadlines while responsive to demands as they arise.
  • Assist the OS team in the preparation of project proposals.
  • Any other duties, including participation in oceanographic surveys, as required and relevant to the role and grade.

Reporting Structure:
 
The successful candidate will be based at the Marine Institute HQ in Oranmore, Galway and will be a member of the Oceanographic Services Section reporting directly to the EU Projects & Oceanographic Research Team Lead.

Contacts:

Marine Institute: EU Projects & Oceanography Research Team, Ocean Modelling Team, other teams within Oceanographic Services and wider Ocean Science & Information Services, the marine Environment and Food Services Service Area, the Research Office (Administrative staff) and other service areas within the Marine Institute.
Externally: Regular liaison with project partners and co-developers / stakeholders / end-users from across Europe and internationally, and interaction with national agencies and HEI’s.

Education, Professional or Technical Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills, Aptitudes, Experience, and Training
Essential:

  • A BSc (Hons) and PhD in marine or environmental science, oceanography, mathematical or similar related discipline with demonstrated experience of data analytics.
  • At least 3 to 5 years’ experience of processing and quantitative analysis of complex scientific datasets.
  • Demonstrates an analytical approach to problem solving.
  • Experience in statistical modelling techniques and data visualisation. Shows evidence of having worked with environmental data analyses.
  • The ability to be well organised and work to deadlines identifying priorities and managing time effectively to plan, organise and coordinate work assignments.
  • Demonstrates initiative and enthusiasm for collaborative research.
  • Evidence of bringing research from concept through to publication.
  • Track record in preparing technical reports and scientific publications.
  • A high level of computer literacy (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet/Email).
  • Strong interpersonal skills.
  • The ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally, at all levels.
  • The ability to work unsupervised and to work well with others.
  • A willingness to go to sea occasionally and medically fit to meet the requirements of an ENG11 (Seafarer’s Medical).

Desirable:

  • Experience of stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience of involvement in project management, particularly within large scale EU projects.
  • Experience in the coordination and monitoring of work and scientific projects.
  • Evidence of applying for, and obtaining, research grants.
  • Hands on experience in climate or marine ecosystem service development.
  • Sea-going experience. Special personal attributes required for the position:
  • R&S/OSIS – PDR CoCliME Data Analyst/May 19 Page 5 of 5
  • An ability to work in an organised manner and progress work independently.
  • Self-starter, dynamic and reliable.
  • Self-sufficiency, while being a good team player.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to effectively communicate results to a wide range of stakeholders and end users using appropriate delivery methods.
  • Enthusiasm for multidisciplinary and multinational collaboration.

Salary:

Remuneration is in accordance with the Public Sector, Department of Finance approved Salary Scale for a Post-Doctoral Researcher, with a starting salary of €37,223 - €48,205 per annum pro-rated with time worked. You will become a member of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme. Annual Leave: Annual leave entitlement for a Post-Doctoral Research Scientist is 24 days per annum pro-rated to reflect time worked. Annual leave entitlements are exclusive of Public Holidays. All leave must be approved in advance in line with Marine Institute leave policies, by your manager or their authorised representative. Duration of Contract: This temporary specified purpose contract of employment is funded under the JPI Climate ERA4CS Joint Call through the EPA as the Irish Research Funding Organisation and will run for a duration of up to March 31st 2021. The successful candidate will be on probation for the first six months of this contract.

How to Apply:

A detailed and recent C.V. together with a letter of application, summarising experience and skill sets applicable to the position should be emailed to recruitment@marine.ie or posted to Human Resources at the Marine Institute, Rinville, Oranmore, Galway. All correspondence for this post should quote reference OSIS/PDR-CoClime/May 2019. Closing date for applications - All applications for this post should be received by the Marine Institute in advance of 12 noon on Wednesday 29th May 2019. Please note that late applications will not be accepted. Use of Data - all personal data and the information submitted for this application will be used solely for the purpose of this campaign, after which it will be deleted in line with our data and documents policy. All information will be treated with the strictest confidence and accessed only by those involved directly in the campaign. The Marine Institute is an equal opportunities employer