Post Doctoral Research Assistant - Fresh Water Ecologist (fixed term - 35 months)

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
• To be part of a team taking forward a research programme into thedevelopment of lake modelling tools for the purpose of effective lake management.
• To coordinate and implement effective data management.
• To collate, process, upload and quality control data provided by AFBI and the other Project Partners for the purpose of model development.
• To engage with the Project Partners regarding data provision.
• Driving Departmental vehicles, may also involve towing boats on trailers.
• To take part in field sampling exercises, including handling small boats.

Data Management
• Manage and assist the compilation of databases holding long term
physico-chemical and biological parameters.
• Quality control input to database from AFBI and Project Partners.
Limnology
• Manage archived samples of zooplankton and phytoplankton.
• Identify preserved freshwater phytoplankton, catalogue and enter results to database.
• Liaise with Geographical Information System personnel regarding incorporation of catchment information to the ecological models.
• Complete, in consultation with the Project Manager and the Programme Manager, quarterly technical reports in line with SEUPB guidance.
• Assist in lake sampling for water chemistry and biological samples (includes boat work).
• Investigate inter-relationships of physico-chemical, hydromorphological, catchment and climatic variables, with each other and biological elements of all lakes sampled as part of the project.
• Assist in defining quantitative relationships between physico-chemical, hydromorphological, catchment and climatic variables, with each other and biological elements of all lakes sampled as part of the project using multivariate modelling techniques.
• Contribute to, in consultation with Programme Manager, the final Project Report.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Applicants must, by the closing date for applications, be able to demonstrate having:
1. A PhD in Freshwater Biology or Ecological Modelling.
2. An in-depth scientific knowledge of freshwater biology and practical experience of identification of freshwater organisms (such as plankton, aquatic plants or invertebrates).
3. Experience of lake sampling for biological and chemical
parameters.
4. Experience of using multivariate modelling techniques and
interpreting results.
5. A full driving licence that enables the applicant to drive in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.