Contribute to the discovery and lead to the further development in an appropriate aspect of biological oceanography/marine microbial ecology. More specifically to research the ecology, biodiversity or biochemistry of marine organisms with emphasis on microbes. The successful candidate will be expected to work collaboratively with the natural and physical sciences available at SAMS, developing trans- and cross-disciplinary research with impact at national, UK, and international levels.

Main responsibilities

• lead research activities related to biological oceanography/marine microbial ecology to deliver scientific outputs (3/4* papers), presentations at national and international conferences, reports, research funding applications to deliver high quality science to meet SAMS mission – 60%
• win external funding to support post and research activities – 10%
• supervise PhD students – 10%
• contribution to SAMS education strategy at undergraduate, postgraduate and CPD levels through module leadership and student supervision – 10%
• propose and participate in externally funded commercial work to meet SAMS’ commercial funding targets – 5%
• enable the smooth running of SAMS though contribution to internal committees, activities and management of SAMS staff and resources as and when required, to ensure that SAMS managerial and strategic requirements are met – 5%
• be pro-active in the management of SAMS Health & Safety procedures – ongoing

Planning and Organising

• identifying, planning and initiating major research within specialist subject area, for example where gaps in knowledge exist, or leading investigation into significant matters
• plan the strategic applications for funding over the next 3-5 years
• planning, management and monitoring progress of large research projects
• plan, design, develop and organise innovative approaches to the learning experience for undergraduates, postgraduates and CPD with the intention of challenging thinking, fostering debate, and encouraging the development of intellectual reasoning and rigor
• supervise the work of BSc, masters and PhD students
• oversee postdoctoral positions which support the aims of SAMS’ existing social-science research

Problem -Solving

• identifying research topics and initiating analysis that will be original and innovative
• determining and adapting appropriate research methodologies for your research
• analysing results and conclusions to formulate new concepts and ideas
• manage time and balance workloads within and across different projects and across a large number of delivery needs, responsibilities and commitments for self and staff team
• guiding and mentoring staff team and supervised students
• dealing with potentially complex and conflicting demands in research projects

Decision-Making

• make strategic decisions about what research directions to prioritise and develop for self and team, and contribute to SAMS broader strategic decisions
• make strategic and day to day decisions about which grants and commercial contracts to apply for and which publications to priorities within resource and time constraints
• make decisions about allocating effort and work load by self and staff team
• guide and mentor decisions by staff team and students
• contribute to governing academic societies

Key Contacts/Relationships

• day to day engagement with staff team, line manager
• represent SAMS in formal discipline-focused teaching and research networks involving peers elsewhere in Europe and further afield
• working with national and international collaborators and research stakeholders

Knowleedge, Skills and Experience needed for the Job

Essential:

• PhD in an aspect of biological oceanography/microbial marine ecology that will complement existing SAMS activity and strengths
• successful development of research proposals funded through a research council or the EU or equivalent
• evidence of impact generated by past research
• proven track record of working in interdisciplinary teams
• experience of line management of scientific staff
• experience of management and supervision of PG students
• lecturer with proven teaching skills
• commercialisation: Engagement/leadership of contracts relevant to this field
• the ability to attend on a regular basis and cope with the demands of the job
• willingness to travel both nationally and internationally

Desirable:

• membership of a relevant professional society
• research funding awarded from the private sector or philanthropic donors
• teaching skills: Course development. Continuous professional development
• ability to work at sea

Dimensions – Scope of role

• line manager for 1 or more research staff, including responsibility for H&S, career development, training needs etc.
• supervisor for PhD students
• teach/supervise MSc students, UG and H4 dissertation students and were necessary develop and lead modules and/or develop and lead Masters programme
• directly/indirectly responsible for support scientists involved with the successful delivery of both research and commercial projects
• responsible for submitting at least one standard proposal per year
• produce research outputs, 3*/4* publications, which are relevant to REF UoA 7

Depending on appointment at Lecturer/Senior Lecturer Grade, the depth of activities within the job description will be agreed and adjusted on appointment.

Any other relevant information

The post holder may be required to perform duties other than those given in the job description for the post. The particular duties and responsibilities attached to posts may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibilities entailed. If the normal duties of the post include going to sea (apart from small boats e.g. RHIB’s) the applicant must be able to obtain the ENG1 medical certification and complete the STCW 95 Personal Survival Techniques training.