Hydrodynamic Modeller – Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science

Location

This vacancy is based at our laboratory in Lowestoft. Cefas is a scientific establishment and it is essential for the successful candidate to work from this location.

About the job

Summary

An innovative and adaptable, highly numerate individual is required to contribute to the Cefas shelf seas modelling team in the Ocean Processes and Systems group. You will work as part of an interdisciplinary group of oceanographers, biogeochemists, marine ecologists, fisheries scientists, hydrodynamic and ecosystem modellers and contribute to a range of projects funded from a variety of sources.

Job description

Main duties and responsibilities:

You will be developing and running numerical models relevant to a diverse range of marine activities. From research on eutrophication as part of an international team, sediment and contaminant transport, improving our understanding of the relative importance of human and climate impacts on marine ecosystems and development of models that link physics to fish and higher and lower trophic levels.

In addition to all aspects of hydrodynamic numerical modelling you will be responsible for analysis, interpretation and publication of model results.

Experience in applying these models to a range of problems including water quality, particularly in estuarine and coastal environments is advantageous.

The team at Cefas is leading in the application of Lagrangian particle tracking techniques to incorporate their behaviour relevant to invasive species, marine litter, fish larvae, and marine pollutants.

Work is carried out with a wide network of scientists in Universities and Research Institutes, both nationally and internationally. The shelf seas modelling team works on a diverse mix of Government policy led work, EU applied research projects, overseas development projects and commercial projects.

You will enjoy liaising with colleagues from a diverse range of marine disciplines and contributing to proposals and new ideas.

The post offers the opportunity to develop and conduct applied research and to present work at international conferences.

While the ability to travel is not specifically required, overseas work is expanding at Cefas and there may be opportunities to travel.

Responsibilities

Person specification

You will have significant background experience in numerical modelling of shelf seas using internationally recognized coupled hydrodynamic/ecosystem models e.g. GETM, Nemo, Mohid, FVCom, Telemac, Deflt3d or similar shelf / coastal seas modelling systems.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Delivering at Pace
  • Working Together

Technical skills

We’ll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

  • PhD in numerical modelling and some post PhD experience, OR, significant post-graduate experience of modelling
  • High level of technical computing knowledge
  • Knowledge of programming languages
  • High level of modelling knowledge

Benefits

Benefits

• 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

• 25 days annual leave + 1 day per year up to 30 days

• A civil service pension

Things you need to know

Security

Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check.

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles, and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.
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.

As part of the application process you will also be asked to complete a CV. Further details around what this entails are listed on the application form.

Strengths will be assessed at the interview stage and you may also be required to provide a presentation.

The interviews will be held at Cefas, Lowestoft. However, we can offer an initial interview via Skype for candidates who are unable to travel to Lowestoft.

Sift and interview dates will be confirmed at a later date.

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

New entrants are expected to start on the minimum pay band.

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.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department, a criminal record check maybe 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 circumstance 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-Employment.Checks@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading.

Any move to Defra will mean you will no longer be able to carry on claiming childcare vouchers.

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.

If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, in the first instance, you should contact 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.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Nationality requirements

Open to UK, Commonwealth and European Economic Area (EEA) and certain non EEA nationals. Further information on whether you are able to apply is available here.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission’s recruitment principles.

The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equality of opportunity. There is a guaranteed interview scheme (GIS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

Apply and further information

Once this job has closed, the job advert will no longer be available. You may want to save a copy for your records.

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