Senior Marine Geoscientist

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SENIOR MARINE GEOSCIENTIST

Grade: UKRI Pay Band E/S2

Salary: £51,242 per annum

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution - on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time - 37 hours a week (some flexible and remote working options may be available)

Location: The Lyell Centre, BGS offices in Edinburgh (which are situated on the Heriot-Watt University campus)

Closing date: 08/01/25

About the role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and highly motivated Senior Marine Geoscientist to join the BGS Marine Geoscience Team at our offices in Edinburgh.

The Marine Geoscience Team is actively developing new maps and models of the seabed and shallow geology of the UK continental shelf. We provide expert geological knowledge to support a range of sectors (e.g., offshore renewable infrastructure, nature and conservation) and work closely with European partners to develop harmonised datasets that inform planning in the marine environment. We have a research portfolio that focuses on spatial characterisation of seabed geology and understanding past and present processes that are relevant to the UK continental shelf (e.g., former glaciation, marine geohazards).

As a senior marine geoscientist you will contribute to and lead projects developing new seabed geology maps and models of the shallow subsurface. You will contribute to and manage commissioned projects integrating seismic interpretation, borehole datasets and knowledge of Quaternary and marine processes, to develop geological ground models that support development of offshore renewable infrastructure. You will also be expected to seek external funding through preparation of project bids and/or research grant applications. As a member of the team you will be encouraged to share your knowledge and communicate our work externally (e.g., conferences, research papers, popular publications, blogs).

Key duties and responsibilities

• Contribute to and lead projects developing new seabed geology maps and models of the shallow subsurface
• Contribute to and manage commissioned projects integrating seismic interpretation, borehole datasets and knowledge of Quaternary and marine processes to develop geological ground models that support development of offshore renewable infrastructure
• Lead delivery of written reports and outputs in a timely manner to agreed project deadlines
• Seek external funding through preparation of project bids and/or research grant applications
• Be encouraged to share your knowledge and communicate our work externally (e.g., conferences, research papers, popular publications, blogs)
• Proactively continue to develop your knowledge (e.g., through training opportunities and engagement with the wider marine community)

About you

This job could suit someone with a marine geoscience PhD (or equivalent experience) who has also spent time developing their career within a professional research or industry environment. You will have recognised expertise within the marine geoscience community and excellent specialist knowledge in at least one (and preferably more) of the areas listed in the essential criteria. You will have experience leading and delivering projects within a research or industry environment and have a record of peer-reviewed publications and/or technical reports commensurate with your career stage. Some experience of writing project bids or research grants is expected. We are looking for someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills, able to articulate their research to both scientists and non-scientists. The post involves team working, therefore you should be able to work flexibly and effectively with others, have good time management skills and be able to work on several tasks concurrently. You will also have experience managing project teams.

The post may involve occasional travel off-site or abroad.

The specific essential and desirable skills criteria for this post will be assessed at Shortlist (S) stage, interview (I) stage, or both (S&I).

ESSENTIAL

• Significant post-graduate experience in a relevant subject area (e.g., Marine Geology and Geophysics, Quaternary Geology, Engineering Geology) (S&I)
• Recognised expertise within the marine geoscience community and excellent specialist knowledge of at least one (and preferably more) of the following (S&I):

  - Quaternary and/or shallow geology of continental shelves

  - Spatial and GIS analysis, and predictive mapping approaches

  - Engineering geology (in an offshore setting)

  - Applied marine geology and geophysics

  - Seabed geomorphology and sediment dynamics

• Experience leading project teams in the interpretation and integration of different datasets (e.g., bathymetry, seismic, samples, borehole) to develop geological maps or models (S&I)
• Effective written communication and presentation skills, demonstrated by a strong track record as a lead author of published papers or technical reports, and conference presentations (S&I)
• Experience preparing successful research grant applications and/or project bids (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

DESIRABLE

• Skilled user seismic interpretation software (e.g., Kingdom or Petrel) (S&I)
• Experience in the development of geological maps and ground models to support decision making (S&I)
• Able to communicate your science clearly to non-scientists (I)

Please note - you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

About us

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that belongs to UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and is affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey whose core mission is to advise government of science related to the subsurface and to undertake applied research to solve earth and environmental issues, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI, as well as through research grants and private sector contracts.

We strive to promote equality and diversity across our organisation in order to continuously improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

About The British Geological Survey (BGS)

The British Geological Survey (BGS) is an applied geoscience research centre that is part of UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and affiliated to the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). It is a world leading geological survey that provides a core science mission to inform government of science related to the subsurface and its interfaces and also undertakes applied research for solutions to earth and environmental processes, both in the UK and globally. It is funded directly by UKRI as well as through research grants and via private sector contracts.

BGS has an annual budget of approximately £60 million and employs 650 people. It has two main sites, a head office in Keyworth near Nottingham and the Lyell Centre, which is a joint collaboration with Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh. BGS works with more than 150 private sector organisations as well as having close links with 40 universities and sponsors approximately 100 PhD students each year.

How to Apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit your CV and a covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for BGS and the role you're applying for. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit your application without a covering letter may result in your application not being considered. You will only be assessed on the content of your CV and covering letter and not the 'experience' section of the application.

About UKRI

UKRI launched in April 2018, UKRI is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT).

Our organisation brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England, which is responsible for supporting research and knowledge exchange at higher education institutions in England, and the UK's innovation agency, Innovate UK to create an independent organisation with a strong voice for research and innovation, and a vision to ensure the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation. More information can be found at www.ukri.org .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit Benefits of working at UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to flourish and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy/ies. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.