Natural Talent UK Traineeships - Marine Diatoms based in Liverpool

Diatoms are at the base of the marine food web and are the primary food and energy source for the marine ecosystem. Changes to their populations can have a disastrous effect on the health and well being of our seas. Diatoms are highly sensitive indicators of environmental change and are used extensively in routine environmental monitoring of watercourses. They are one of the key components for monitoring water bodies in the Water Framework Directive. Due to their excellent fossil record they are widely used in reconstructing former climate regimes.

In-house training at World Museum will combine specialist advice with access to laboratory, microscopy, collection, computing and library facilities. The trainee will become immersed in the fascinating world of diatom identification, taxonomy, ecology and biogeography. They will undertake fieldwork and be introduced to a range of different habitat and community sampling methods. To provide a broader contextual training, survey sites will include marine and freshwater habitats. Transferable skills will include: data analysis, methodological development of biodiversity indicators and taxonomic principles.

World Museum attracts c. 700,000 visitors per year. The trainee will develop public engagement skills by participating and delivering family friendly community events in the museum’s Aquarium and interactive, hands on, Clore Natural History Centre. Dock Watch events will also be undertaken on the Liverpool waterfront adjacent to NML’s Maritime Museum.

THIS PROJECT IS FUNDED BY THE ESMÉE FAIRBAIRN FOUNDATION

* A full driving licence is desirable
* This post is subject to a criminal record check.

A 2 page CV is required to support your application. PLEASE MARK YOUR APPLICATION NTUK/DIA

Details of the essential skills and experience required for this post can be found in the Job Description. Please read this carefully before you submit an application.

Closing date for completed applications is 5.00pm 31/10/14

Please note: Unfortunately, due to the necessity to keep our costs down we are not able to respond to everyone who applies to our vacancies. Interviews will be held on 2 December 2014 at our World Museum, William Brown Street, Liverpool, Merseyside, L3 8EN office. Therefore, if you do not hear from us by this date, please assume that you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

You can apply for this post online or you can download an application form in Adobe Acrobat format or Word format and you can download a full job description for this post here.

Alternatively you can request an application pack from recruitment@tcv.org.uk quoting the reference NTUKDIA.

Completed applications forms must be returned to John McFarlane, TCV Scotland, 24 Allan Park, Stirling, Scotland, FK8 2QG or j.mcfarlane@tcv.org.uk by 31/10/14.