Job Description and Person
Specification
Last updated:
06 October 2015
JOB DESCRIPTION
Post title:
Research Fellow in Marine Ecology
Academic Unit/Service:
N/A
Faculty:
Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences (FNES)
Career Pathway:
Education, Research and Enterprise (ERE)
*ERE category:
Research pathway
Posts responsible to:
Professor Stephen Hawkins, Level 7, Dean of FNES
Posts responsible for:
None
Post base:
Non Office-based (see job hazard analysis)
Level:
4
Job purpose
To support the Dean of Faculty in his research.
Key accountabilities/primary responsibilities
% Time
1.
To assist the Dean with fieldwork to maintain long-term data sets and surveys of official
habitats.
20%
2.
To process and curate samples and collate and archive data.
20%
3.
To organise laboratory and fieldwork logistics.
10%
4.
To assist with publishing activities (editing, refereeing etc) including preparation of
manuscripts for publication.
10%
5.
To assist with scientific-based administration and strategy development.
10%
6.
Other administrative duties to support the Dean, including external stakeholder liaison.
10%
7.
To help write a major consortium grant on connectivity and artificial habitats.
20 %
8.
Any other duties that fall within the scope of the post as allocated by the line manager
following consultation with the post-holder.
Internal and external relationships
Work with Dean to enable research.
Work with Dean team to deliver research.
Interact as needed with other Deanery staff.
Interact with internal collaborators to facilitate joint work and major grant application.
Interact with external stakeholders and funders.
Interact with Finance on project management and accounts.
Special Requirements
IT-literate, numerate, able to write and communicate well. Physical fitness is needed to fully participate in
fieldwork. Flexibility is essential as much fieldwork will be at weekends due to timing of tides.
Organisational skills are essential. Willingness to live and work in both Southampton (initially) and Plymouth
(subsequently).
Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or
nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon
successful completion of the PhD. Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research
Assistant will be given.
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
2
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential
Qualifications,
knowledge and
experience
BSc, Masters (or equivalent) in
biological or environmental sciences
or other relevant science degree.
CV
PhD or equivalent professional
qualifications and experience in
marine ecology or related area.
CV
Detailed understanding and
knowledge of marine ecology or
related area.
Interview
IT literacy.
Interview
Experience of field-working.
Interview
Statistical expertise and numeracy.
Interview
Stakeholder engagement and
interface with social sciences.
Interview
Identification skills – rocky shore
species.
Interview
Sound logistical skills.
Interview
Ability to keep basic accounts and
manage finances.
Interview
Ability to plan fieldwork/workshops.
Interview
Ability to work on own and as part of
a team.
Interview
Ability to design experiments and
surveys.
Interview
Networking ability.
Interview
Ability to co-ordinate teams.
Interview
Upward management of Dean.
Interview
Excellent verbal and written
communication skills.
Interview
Ability to write rapidly under time
constraints.
Interview
Planning and
organising
Problem solving
and initiative
Management
and teamwork
Communicating
and influencing
Permission to drive in the UK.
Other skills and
behaviours
Special
requirements
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Criteria
Flexibility: this is a role that involves
time-management and week-end
work because of tides. Physical
fitness to participate in fieldwork.
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
CV
Interview
3
JOB HAZARD ANALYSIS
Is this an office-based post?
☐ Yes
If this post is an office-based job with routine office hazards (eg: use of VDU), no further
information needs to be supplied. Do not complete the section below.
☒ No
If this post is not office-based or has some hazards other than routine office (eg: more than use
of VDU) please complete the analysis below.
Hiring managers are asked to complete this section as accurately as possible to ensure the safety
of the post-holder.
## - HR will send a full PEHQ to all applicants for this position. Please note, if full health clearance is required
for a role, this will apply to all individuals, including existing members of staff.
ENVIRONMENTAL EXPOSURES
Occasionally
Frequently
Constantly
(<30% of time)
(30-60% of time)
(> 60% of time)
Outside work
X
Extremes of temperature (eg: fridge/ furnace)
## Potential for exposure to body fluids
## Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
## Exposure to hazardous substances (eg: solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards). Specify below:
Frequent hand washing
Ionising radiation
EQUIPMENT/TOOLS/MACHINES USED
## Food handling
## Driving university vehicles(eg: car/van/LGV/PCV)
X
## Use of latex gloves (prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
## Vibrating tools (eg: strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
X
PHYSICAL ABILITIES
Load manual handling
Repetitive crouching/kneeling/stooping
X
Repetitive pulling/pushing
Repetitive lifting
Standing for prolonged periods
Repetitive climbing (ie: steps, stools, ladders, stairs)
Fine motor grips (eg: pipetting)
Gross motor grips
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES
Face to face contact with public
Lone working
X
## Shift work/night work/on call duties
Document1ERE Level 4 – Research Pathway – Research Fellow
4