Marine Biologist - Rothera

Description

Marine Biologist - Rothera

British Antarctic Survey

Reference: BAS 26/58

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment – 18-month contract

Location: Rothera Research Station

Salary: AEP B1A £31,183 per annum (pro rata)

Closing date: 18^th June 2026, 23:55

Interview Date:  Interviews and assessments ASAP

Start date: July 2026

Purpose

We are looking for a Marine Biologist to continue investigations into the autecology of shallow water marine assemblages in the Antarctic. This project will focus on macroalgae, their standing stock, production, export and associated fauna. Comparisons will be made between local bays to understand how local conditions affect macroalgal assemblages. In particular, we are interested in converting visual surveys of macroalgae (% cover) into standing stock of carbon, as this will allow wider geographic comparisons of data from within Ryder Bay with ongoing research by collaborators from Palmer and Carlini stations. In-situ experiments will measure macroalgal productivity and export (fragmentation). In order to assess the importance of macroalgae to carbon sequestration, adjacent deeper sediments will be sampled to investigate signals of macroalgal carbon (through stable isotope analysis).

The aim is to build a picture of the importance of macroalgae in the marine ecosystem and blue carbon pathways. The post involves a minimum of 18 months at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and is expected to result in a number of high-quality scientific publications.

Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will investigate the dynamics of macroalgal assemblages.

1) Collections and surveys will be used to assess the standing stock of macroalgae in Ryder Bay and their associated macro- and mega- fauna.

2) Samples will be collected, sorted and where necessary identified using light microscopy. The carbon content of assemblages will be estimated using ovens and furnaces.

3) In-situ experiments will be used to assess the production of macroalgae, including shed blades that have the potential to export carbon into adjacent deep sediments.

4) Sediment cores will be taken in adjacent deeper sediments to measure macroalgal signals in sediment carbon to assess the importance of macroalgae to sequestration.

5) Data gathered in Ryder Bay will be compared with that collected by collaborators who work at Carlini (Dolores Deregibus) and Palmer (Chuck Amsler) stations to gain an Antarctic Peninsula wide understanding of macroalgal blue carbon. 

The post holder will also work with the marine team to maintain continuing science projects that are running over multiple years, to record continuous data on ecological variability. These include monthly feeding surveys of benthic invertebrates and regular deployments of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) to monitor fish and other mobile fauna.

This position provides the opportunity to work with experienced members of the BAS Biodiversity Evolution and Adaptations team to direct the scope of investigations. The position involves year-round SCUBA diving from small boats and through sea ice, use of a range of laboratory techniques to identify species and gather the ecological information that will feed into long term studies of shallow water communities in this region. During the pre-deployment period and while on station, the post holder will be expected to play a role in planning, organisation, and implementation of this research programme whilst also supporting a diverse range of other marine science projects, and station activities, particularly during the summer months. These additional roles could include advanced medical and fire cover, depending on experience and requirements on station. In addition, as a member of a small wintering team (~20 personnel), you will be expected to take a share of station duties (cooking, cleaning, night watch etc). The post involves a minimum of 1.5 years (that can be extended to 2.5 years) at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica with up to 6 months post deployment write-up time in Cambridge to prepare and submit publications.

Duties

To organise and implement the proposed research programme, which will be selected from the following research areas depending on the logistics and the successful candidate’s expertise:

• Year-round SCUBA surveys of macroalgal assemblages
• Boat surveys of adjacent deep sediments
• Ecological description of macroalgal associated fauna
• Stereo light-microscopy and use of keys to identify species
• Good laboratory skills to measure and preserve individuals for taxonomy and measure carbon content
• Animal husbandry and photography skills to add to the library of ID photos
• Analyse data and prepare for publication. Curate data for archiving and long-term utilisation.
• Help to prepare manuscripts for publication
• To play an active role as a member of the marine team, supporting a diverse range of marine projects.
• This will include being part of an active dive team, operating the recompression chamber, boating, driving the tractor, operating the crane and providing search and recovery cover.

Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organisational and interpersonal skills are required for this post.

Skills, Qualifications, and Experience

Essential

•    BSc 2:1, minimum 
•    Experienced SCUBA diver (CMAS 3* minimum) equivalent, minimum 100 logged dives (30 cold water, dry suit dives). 
•    Experience of diving in a full-face mask is preferred, although in-post training may be considered for the right candidate. Experience of full-face mask is essential before diving with BAS can commence.
•    Marine Biology (use of keys for identification), microscope and laboratory skills
•    Proficient in written and spoken English language
•    Data visualisation and statistical knowledge
•    Self-management within the requirements of the wider team
•    Ability to live and work within a small team at Rothera which integrates within a larger team in Cambridge 
•    Enthusiasm to regularly report progress to wider team
•    Self-manage within the framework of a dynamic team
•    Ability to archive and analyse complex datasets
•    You will need to pass a medical test to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions
 

Desirable

•    HSE SCUBA (part IV) or equivalent 
•    Advanced European Scientific Diver 
•    100 cold water dives (<12°C)
•    50+ drysuit dives
•    Small boat handling experience 
•    Use of ROV
•    Ecological modelling 
•    Experience of GIS software
•    Underwater photography
•    Aquarium husbandry experience
•    Peer reviewed publication or report writing