Coastal Ocean Modeller
Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science
Apply before 11:55 pm on Friday 31st May 2024
Details
Reference number
Salary
Job grade
Contract type
Business area
Type of role
Working pattern
Number of jobs available
Contents
Location
About the job
Job summary
An innovative and adaptable, highly numerate individual is needed to join the Cefas Shelf Seas Modelling team. You will be involved in a range of modelling activities relevant to ocean and coastal processes, working with, and learning from, a group of highly experienced modellers. Cefas is involved in a huge range of evidence gathering activities, including field measurements, numerical modelling, and assessments to support both government partners and commercial contracts. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary group of oceanographers, biogeochemists, marine ecologists, fisheries scientists, hydrodynamic and ecosystem modellers, to deliver high-quality applied marine science for a wide range of projects around the UK and overseas. Your work will make a difference to the serious global problems of climate change, biodiversity loss and food security to secure a sustainable blue future for all.
Cefas is proud of a diverse and inclusive work environment, committed to fairness and the promotion of equality of opportunity for all. We know that having a range of experiences, backgrounds, ways of working and thinking, makes us a stronger organisation, better at reflecting the communities we serve. We embrace different views and experiences and value the fresh perspective that people from a variety of circumstances bring to the work we do. We welcome applications from candidates who have not previously worked for the Civil Service, mid- and late-career changers with transferable skills, people from all backgrounds and circumstances regardless of disability, gender, age, ethnicity, LGBT+ identity and socio-economic status.
Job description
Your main duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:
The successful applicant for this post will be involved in a range of modelling activities relevant to ocean and coastal environments. For example, linking catchments to coastal water quality and pollution dispersal or considering coastal resilience to future wave climates and sea level rise. You will use modelling to help improve our understanding of the relative importance of human and climate impacts on marine ecosystems. In addition to using numerical models, you will also be responsible for analysis, interpretation, and publication of model results. You will work closely with a multi-disciplinary team, including oceanographers, biogeochemists, marine ecologists, and fisheries scientists, so proven communication and inter-personal skills are essential.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to learn and develop within a team of experienced hydrodynamic and ecosystem modellers. We are seeking an individual with a good knowledge of numerical modelling, including programming languages and large data analysis methods. Prior experience working with coastal ocean models would be advantageous. However, you should have a desire to expand your knowledge of modelling techniques and broader marine science applications.
While the ability to travel is not specifically required, Cefas is working with many overseas partners so there may be opportunities to travel.
In addition, Cefas reserves the right to ask staff to take on additional duties and responsibilities which are commensurate with their grade. Team Leaders and management will have a discussion with staff to explain the changes that are to be made. A new job description will be issued if required.
Person specification
The following are essential criteria required for this role and you must be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in the following areas:
Cefas is seeking an enthusiastic and adaptable numerical modeller to support the delivery of high-quality applied marine science, for a variety of projects and customers, both within the UK and overseas.
Running hydrodynamic and biogeochemical models, coding in a variety of programming languages (mostly Python), processing and visualising large data sets, will form the core of this role. To perform these tasks, you would be expected to make use of high performance computing resources.
Writing reports, liaising with members of the team and delivering to project timelines will also be an important part of the job. As such, you should have a good understanding of ocean or coastal processes and be an effective communicator.
You must also be able to demonstrate your skills and experience in these areas:
- Good interpersonal and communication skills, with an ability to communicate technical information to a range of audiences;
- Excellent scientific and technical writing skills (e.g., reports or journal articles);
- Large data analysis, interpretation, and programming skills (e.g., python, MATLAB, Fortran, or similar);
- Experience using numerical models, and desire to learn more about coastal ocean modelling; and
- Hold a PhD in numerical modelling in the field of marine or atmospheric science (e.g., oceanography, marine engineering, or meteorology), or alternatively, a degree (or equivalent) in a numerate subject as well as demonstrating having the relevant work experience as required and shown in the person specification.
Qualifications
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
- Changing and Improving
We only ask for evidence of these behaviours on your application form:
- Communicating and Influencing
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.
- Data analysis, interpretation, and programming skills (for modelling and analysis of large data sets)
- Knowledge of hydrodynamic and/or biogeochemical modelling applications.
We only ask for evidence of these technical skills on your application form:
- Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement – Cefas offers 25 days' annual leave on entry (rising to 30 days over first 5yrs) for full-time new entrants to the Civil Service. Employees receive 8 public holidays a year, plus an additional day to mark the King's birthday
- Access to learning and development tailored to your role
- A working environment that supports a range of flexible working options
- A working culture which encourages inclusion and diversity
- Eligible to join the Civil Service Pension scheme – more information can be found on the CSP website http://www.civilservicepensionscheme.org.uk/
- Staff recognition vouchers
- In-year award scheme
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Application Process
As part of the application process you are asked to provide a CV (job history, qualifications, past skills and experience), a maximum 750-word Personal Statement on how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section, a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised lead behaviour – Communicating and Influencing and a maximum 250-word statement on how you meet the advertised technical skill - Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.
Further details around what this will entail are listed on the application form.
- For guidance on Civil Service Success Profiles, this video tells you what you’ll need to provide throughout the assessment process with supporting guidance on each step. Link – Success Profiles
- For guidance on how to construct your CV, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link - CV
- For guidance on how to construct your personal statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Statement
- For guidance on how to construct your lead behaviour statement, you are encouraged to visit Civil Service Careers. Link – Behaviours
Sift
The sift panel will use the information in your CV and Personal Statement to assess your experience and how you meet the essential criteria as stated in the person specification section. The sift panel will also assess the lead behaviour statement – Communicating and Influencing and the technical skill - Experience using numerical models in the field of marine or atmospheric science.
Should a large number of applications be received, an initial sift may be conducted using the lead behaviour – Communicating and Influencing. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.
Sift and interview dates to be confirmed.
Interview
If successful at application stage, you will be invited to interview where you will be assessed on the three advertised behaviours, your experience (as stated in the person specification section) and the three advertised technical skills. You may also be asked to prepare a presentation or undertake an exercise. If this is the case, you will receive further information with your invitation to interview.
Please be aware that at this time, interviews will be held remotely using MS Teams.
If scores are equal following interview, an assessment of the lead behaviour – Communicating and Influencing will be used by the panel.
Location
Please be aware that this role will be contractually based at site in Lowestoft.
As part of the pre-employment process for this post, successful candidate(s) will be able to agree a contractual workplace from those locations listed in this advert. The agreed contractual workplace is then the substantive and permanent place of work for the successful candidate(s)
Where the location is ‘National’ the successful appointee should discuss and agree an appropriate contractual location in line with both Defra’s location policy and site capacity, prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
Successful applicants currently employed by the hiring Defra organisation for this post may choose to remain in their current contractual location or may choose to change contractual location to one of those listed above. This should be discussed and agreed prior to proceeding with pre-employment processes.
The agreed amount of time spent at a workplace for this post will reflect the requirement for Civil Servants to spend at least 60% of their working time in an organisation workplace with the option to work the remaining time flexibly from home. Working time spent at a workplace may include time spent at other organisational locations including field-based operational locations, together with supplier, customer or partner locations. This is a non-contractual agreement which is consistent with common Civil Service expectations.
Travel costs to non-contractual workplaces will be subject to departmental travel and subsistence policies. Travel costs to contractual workplaces are the responsibility of the employee.
The successful candidate is required to carry out all their duties from a UK location, and cannot do so from an overseas location at any time.
Defra includes the core department, APHA, RPA, Cefas and VMD.
Reserve List
A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.
Salary
New entrants are expected to start on the minimum of the pay band.
Visa Sponsorship Statement
Please take note that Defra does not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker License sponsor and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
Reasonable Adjustment
If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes.
If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should:
- Contact Government Recruitment Service via defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs
- Complete the “Assistance required” section in the “Additional requirements” page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional
Accessibility
If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.
Criminal Record Check
If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check may be carried out.
In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf. However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.
Internal Fraud Database Check
Applicants who are successful at interview will be, as part of pre-employment screening subject to a check on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). This check will provide information about employees who have been dismissed for fraud or dishonesty offences. This check also applies to employees who resign or otherwise leave before being dismissed for fraud or dishonesty had their employment continued. Any applicant’s details held on the IFD will be refused employment.
A candidate is not eligible to apply for a role within the Civil Service if the application is made within a 5-year period following a dismissal for carrying out internal fraud against government.
Childcare Vouchers
Any move to Defra from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Cefas Resourcing Team
- Email : resourcing@cefas.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Further information
Government Recruitment Services via email: defrarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Department, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: Click here to visit Civil Service Commission.
