Job Description
Job Title:
Research Assistant (Scientific Diver)
Faculty/Department:
Faculty of Science / Centre for Environmental and
Marine Sciences
Principal Investigator, Dr Magnus Johnson
Fixed term until 31 January 2015
Academic
6
Research Band 6
N/A
FS0104
Reporting to:
Duration:
Job Family:
Pay Band:
Benchmark Profile:
CRB Disclosure requirement:
Vacancy Reference:
Details Specific to the Post
Background and Context
Fisheries landings of Nephrops norvegicus (also known as Dublin bay prawn, Norway
lobster and langoustine) are around 59,000 tons a year with a first sale value of around Euro
200 million, making it the most valuable crustacean fishery in Europe. The fishery is
currently dominated by trawling with a small fraction of catch taken using pots (creels).
There is little scope to expand trawling fisheries for Nephrops and given the direction of the
proposed new Common Fisheries Policy, it seems likely that small scale, inshore potting
fisheries will be favoured. To support the development of sustainable inshore fisheries the
FP7 project “Nephrops” will be developing hatchery techniques and technology and ways to
enhance the survival of discards.
As part of this project the Centre for Environmental and Marine Sciences (CEMS), University
of Hull (Scarborough Campus), seeks to offer a fixed term part-time (0.5) research assistant
position until 31 January 2015. The post will be based at CEMS and involves field trips to
the Orkneys, Scotland, Sweden and Ireland. The research technician will be tasked with
supporting and participating in dive operations, assisting in the development and testing of
research technology (lobster tracking), collection and data analysis of benthic samples,
aquarium maintenance, supporting the organisation and planning of field trips and
organisation and maintenance of dive and research equipment.
The ideal candidate will have a BSc in Marine Biology or a related subject and/or MSc level
experience in marine biology/ecology and be able to demonstrate interests in e.g. scientific
diving, underwater tagging and tracking technology, crustacean biology, animal behaviour or
fisheries ecology. A minimum of CMAS*** dive qualification, a scientific diving qualification
and/or experience is required. Boat handling and VHF qualifications are desirable.
Experience in maintenance of dive equipment, supervision and/or assistance of dive
operations, and field trips would be advantageous. The candidate is expected to be
technically versatile in the construction of research equipment, to work independently and as
part of a dive team. It is also expected that the successful candidate would have a full
driving licence
The post-holder will liaise closely with Dr Ralf Bublitz in relation the development of tagging
and tracking procedures and technology.
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012
Specific Duties and Responsibilities of the post





Supporting scientific diving operations
Supporting in the development of tracking and tagging technology and procedures.
Participating in scientific dives for the project.
Supporting in the production of reports relating to behaviour and ecology of Nephrops
Assisting with collection and identification of infaunal samples
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012
GENERIC JOB DESCRIPTION
The job duties and responsibilities listed below are intended to describe the general nature
of the role. The duties and responsibilities and the balance between the elements in the role
may change or vary over time depending on the specific needs at a specific point in time or
due to changing needs in the department. Candidates should note that there may not be an
immediate requirement to carry out all the activities listed below.
Overall Purpose of the Role
This is an entry level post and may be suitable for those planning to train and develop their
research skills so that they may take on a more senior research post in the future.
Research Staff at this level will assist an individual research leader or team to carry out a
particular study or studies.
The research assistant will receive close supervision and direction from more senior
colleagues and will receive academic, pastoral support and guidance which may include
specific training, career counselling and mentoring.
The main focus of the work will involve the generation or collection of data using standard
methods which have been developed by others. The role holder will assist with analysis and
interpretation of results and the drafting of research reports and publications.
Main Work Activities
1. Pro-actively contribute to the research project and conduct own research to include:
 Gather, prepare, analyse and interpret data
 Conduct literature and database searches
 Write up and present own research results
2. Contribute to the management of research projects to include:
 Contribute to the planning of projects
 Plan own research activity within the framework of the agreed programme
3. Prepare reports and papers describing the results of the research for both internal and
external publication to include:
 Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
 Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies
supervising research
4. Work positively with colleagues in the research team and other collaborators and
partners and support staff on routine matters both inside and outside the University
 Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding
and form relationships for future collaboration.
 Actively participate as a member of the research team which will involve
attending and contributing to relevant meetings.
5. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any project students who may be
assisting with the research.
6. Demonstrate evidence of own personal and professional development including:
 Appraisal, induction and performance reviews
 Participation in training and development activity
 Maintenance of links with professional institutions and other related bodies
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012
Additionally the post holder will be required to:
 Fulfil the employees’ duties described in the University’s health and safety policies
and co-operate with the health and safety arrangements in place within the department.
May be required to undertake specific health and safety roles on request e.g. Display
screen equipment assessor, departmental safety officer, fire warden
 Show a commitment to diversity, equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practices
This includes undertaking mandatory equality and diversity training
 Comply with University regulations, policies and procedures
 Where a candidate cannot demonstrate experience of teaching and /or they do not
already hold a Postgraduate Certificate in HE, they will be required to undertake a
Postgraduate Certificate in HE if successful. Proven experience of teaching would
include sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and of
teaching methods and techniques
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Research Band 6
Specification
Essential
Desirable
Examples Measured by
Education and Training
A BSc in Marine Biology or a related
subject and/or MSc level experience in
marine biology/ecology
CMAS*** Diver / European Scientific
Diver Qualification
Advanced European Scientific Diver
Qualification
Taxonomic skills with marine fauna
First aid certification
Application
Interview
Scientific Diving –working as part of an
HSE dive team
Supporting research activity:
Research ecology lab experience
(microscopy, handling samples)
Field ecology skills
H&S awareness, particularly in regard
to the Scientific Diving ACOP
Development of diving project plans
Diving expedition experience
Application
Interview
General IT skills (MS office products)
Statistical analysis
Full driving licence
Motor launch coxswain ticket
VHF Radio Certificate
Application
Interview
Can demonstrate the ability to help to
build co-operation to deliver team
results
Can demonstrate the ability to work
effectively as part of a team. Is willing
to provide cover for colleagues and
acts in a supportive manner.
Current HSE Diving medical
Ability to travel across Europe
Application
Interview
Formal qualifications and relevant
training
Work Experience
Ability to undertake duties of the post
Skills and Knowledge
Includes abilities and intellect
Personal Qualities
Includes any specific physical
requirements of the post – (subject to
the provisions of the Equality Act 2010)
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012
Research Band 6 (Generic)
Version 7
February 2012