Job Description and Person Specification
NOC 201/12
Job Description
Department / Division:
Ocean Biogeochemistry and Ecosystems Group, Directorate of Science
and Technology, National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
The posts will be based at Southampton
Post Title:
Seabed Image Analyst
Grade:
NERC Band 6
Posts Responsible to (and
Level):
Dr Henry Ruhl, Associate Head of Ocean Biogeochemistry and
Ecosystems (UoS Band 5)
Posts Responsible for (and
Level):
None
Job Purpose: The central role of this post is to annotate and analyse seafloor imagery collected as part of
the ‘Autonomous Ecological Surveying of the Abyss’ project. This task involves a combination of key skills
including taxonomic knowledge of species expected to be found in the N Atlantic ocean on the abyssal
seafloor with added expertise of being able to discern taxon characters from photographs rather than
more standard traits that require physical specimens. Also required is knowledge of photogrammetric
techniques for translating photos of the seafloor into quantitative ecological data on variables such as
density, species composition and body size. A third key skill for this post will be the ability to take
annotated data and combine it with data from other sources for statistical analyses and translating those
into ecologically meaningful interpretations. The AESA project is creating a very large catalogue of
photographs that need timely analysis.
The applicant will not only be expected to conduct seafloor image analysis using the above key skills, but
will also be expected to collect new data via going to sea, make sound interpretations of results, and
disseminate results through peer-reviewed publications, as well as participation in conferences,
workshops and project meetings. The applicant will also interact with PhD and other students, as well as
other staff that will but using data annotated by the applicant.
Key Accountabilities/Primary Responsibilities:
% Time






60
10
10
10
5
5
Annotate photographic images of the seafloor for ecological and physical features.
Curate data bases on annotation data including quality control/assurance.
Interpretation and publication of results.
Dissemination of results at conferences and workshops.
Data collection (including sea-going activities).
Technical training; student interactions.
NOC 201/12
1
Internal & External Relationships: (nature & purpose of relationships)
Internally: Scientific collaboration with other NOC and University of Southampton scientists, interactions
with technical staff on research vessels and in the laboratory.
Externally: Scientific collaboration with the national and international marine research community, and
with potential funders (e.g. the hydrocarbons sector) and stakeholders (e.g. Government agencies). A
particular link with U. Glasgow will be critical.
Special Requirements:
All staff are expected to:





Positively support equality of opportunity and equity of treatment to colleagues and students in
accordance with the NERC Equal Opportunities policy;
Help maintain a safe working environment by:
o Attending training in Health and Safety requirements as necessary, both on appointment
and as changes in duties and techniques demand;
o Following local codes of safe working practices
Ensure that their actions conform with the overall environmental aims of the Centre and minimise
their environmental impact;
Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager;
Comply with the NERC Core Expectations
This job description reflects the core activities of the post, as the Centre and the post-holder develops
there will inevitably be some changes in the emphasis to the duties of the post. NERC expects that the
post-holder will recognise this and adopt a flexible approach to work and be willing to participate in
training where necessary. Should significant changes to the job description become necessary, the postholder will be consulted and the changes reflected in a revised job description.
NOC 201/12
2
Person Specification
Criteria
Essential
Desirable
How to be
assessed
Qualifications, Knowledge and Experience:
PhD degree in marine biology research or a
related field.

CV
Thorough knowledge of specialist seabed image
analysis and ecology disciplines.

Interview
A track record of publications in seabed image
analysis and ecology, appropriate to career stage.

Relevant numerical, mathematical and IT skills,
appropriate to specialist discipline.

CV
CV
Planning and Organising:
Ability to plan and organise delivery of high
quality data and interpretations, at level
appropriate to career stage.

References/
Interview

References/
Interview

Interview

Interview
Problem Solving and Initiative:
Ability to solve problems of the nature found in
multivariate ecological research.
Ability to adapt positively to change
encourage others to overcome difficulties.
and
Management and Teamwork:
Evidence that you make significant contributions
to teams and can demonstrate an ability to work
as a team member.

Ability to show an understanding of the
principles of effective project management and
when to apply these.
Interview
Communicating and Influencing:
Ability to present complex scientific material
relevant to ecological research in written form
and seminars.

The ability to communicate effectively
scientific peers from different disciplines.

with
CV
Interview
Other Skills and Behaviours:
Possess a clear vision for the future of their
research programme and the ability to design
and execute this programme.
NOC 201/12
Interview

3
Special Requirements:

Able to go to sea and pass an ENG1 seagoing
medical.
NOC 201/12
4
CV/interview/
Medical