Job Description and Person
Specification (HR5)
Job Description
Academic
Unit/Department:
Ocean and Earth Science
Post Title:
Research Fellow for “Shelf supply of iron to the ocean” component
of the NERC Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry Programme.
Career Pathway and
Level:
ERE Category
ERE
TAE
MSA
CAO
4
Academic Posts
Academic
Research
Non-Academic Posts
Teaching
Enterprise
x
Education
Development
Post Responsible to
(and Level):
P.J. Statham, R.H. James, R.A. Mills (Level 6)
Posts Responsible for
(and Level):
Research on Shelf Sea Biogeochemistry (SSB); Shelf sources of
iron to the ocean. Occasional supervision of research students
Job Purpose:
To undertake research in accordance with the research project under the supervision of the
award holder. Specifically to carry out research on iron biogeochemistry at sea and in the base
laboratory. Main objectives are to investigate phase associations of Fe within sediments and
key processes affecting them, transfers of iron across the sediment water boundary, and use of
iron isotopes as tracers of key processes within sediments.
Key Accountabilities/Primary Responsibilities
% Time
Set up logistics of ship based and laboratory experiments
10
Carry out at-sea research activities, including sample collection and experiments
25
Carry out laboratory research activities, including experiments and analyses of
iron concentrations (ICP-MS) and iron isotopes (MC-ICP-MS)
30
Collaborate with other scientists within the same work package and also other
relevant scientists across the whole SSB programme to maximise science output.
10
Interpret iron and associated data to deliver objectives of grant, and delivery of
quality controlled data to BODC
10
Prepare journal manuscripts and seeing them through to publication, plus
preparation of interim reports
10
Carry out any other duties relevant to the research project as allocated by the
line manager following consultation with the post holder.
5
Internal & External Relationships:
Direct responsibility to holder of research award or academic supervisor.
Collaboration with other scientists in this work-package, and across the SSB programme.
2
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:

PhD in marine biogeochemistry/sediment
chemistry
CV/referees
Recent experience of trace metal
biogeochemistry, including sample
preparation, chemical processing and ideally
inductively coupled plasma mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS)
CV/referees
interview

CV/referees
interview

Experience of using multicollector ICP-MS

Experience and track record of scientific
publishing
Detailed understanding and knowledge of
the biogeochemistry of trace metals in the
ocean
Planning and Organising:
CV/referees
interview

Able to organise own research activities to
deadline and quality standards at sea and in
home lab.
Problem Solving and Initiative:

Able to develop understanding of complex
problems and apply in-depth knowledge to
address them

Able to develop original techniques/methods

Able to analyse a wide range of
observations and to produce logical
inferences from them.

Referees/
interviews
Referees/
interviews
Management and Teamwork:
Work effectively in a team, understanding
the strengths and weaknesses of others to
help teamwork development

Referees/
interviews
Communicating and Influencing:
Communicate new and complex information
effectively, both verbally and in writing,
engaging the interest and enthusiasm of the
target audience

Able to present research results at group

Referees/
interviews
3
meetings and conferences
Able to prepare research results for
publication in leading peer-viewed journals

Work proactively with colleagues in other
work areas/institutions, contributing
specialist knowledge to achieve outcomes

Other Skills and Behaviours:
Understanding of relevant Health & Safety
issues

Positive attitude to colleagues and students

Referees/
interviews
CV
Special Requirements:

To be available to participate in work at sea
as required by the specified research
project.

Able to attend national and international
conferences to present research results

Driving licence
4
Referees/
interviews
CV
[Type text]
Job Hazard Analysis Form - Appendix to Job and Person Specification
Please tick one of the following statements:
This post is an office-based job with routine office hazards e.g. use of VDU (if ticked,
no further information needs to be supplied)
This post has some hazards other than routine office e.g. more than use of VDU
√
Please tick all those that apply, and put N/A if not applicable
Environmental Exposures
O*
Outside work
F
√
Extremes of temperature (e.g. fridge/ furnace)
√
Potential for exposure to body fluids
##
Noise (greater than 80 dba - 8 hrs twa)
##
Exposure to hazardous substances (e.g. solvents, liquids, dust, fumes,
biohazards) Specify ………………………………………………………….
##
n/a
n/a
√
Frequent hand washing
n/a
Ionising radiation
n/a
Equipment/Tools/Machines used
Food Handling
##
Driving university vehicles (e.g. car/van/LGV/PCV)
##
Use of latex gloves (note: prohibited unless specific clinical necessity)
##
Vibrating tools (e.g. strimmers, hammer drill, lawnmowers)
##
n/a
√
n/a
n/a
Physical Abilities
Load manual handling
√
Repetitive Crouching/Kneeling/Stooping
n/a
Repetitive Pulling/Pushing
n/a
Repetitive Lifting
n/a
Standing for prolonged periods
n/a
Repetitive Climbing i.e. steps, stools, ladders
n/a
Fine motor grips (e.g. pipetting)
√
Gross motor grips
n/a
Repetitive reaching below shoulder height
n/a
Repetitive reaching at shoulder height
n/a
Repetitive reaching above shoulder height
n/a
Psychosocial Issues
Face to face contact with public
n/a
Lone working
n/a
Shift work/night work/on call duties
##
√
5
C
[Type text]
O – Occasionally (up to 1/3 of time); F – Frequently (up to 2/3 of time); C – Constantly
(more than 2/3 of time) ## denotes to HR the need for a full PEHQ to be sent to all applicants
for this position.
FOR ACADEMIC UNIT/SERVICE USE
ONLY
Which post does this job report to
Is this post a Line Manager?
If yes, which posts directly report into it?
Post 1
Post 2
Post 3
Post 4
Post 5
Post 6
Post 7
Post 8
Please add additional rows as required
ResourceLink Post Number
Yes
ResourceLink Post Number
6
No