Description
The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is looking for a Geological Collections Assistant to join the Research Development and Support Team. The BAS Geological Collections are one of the largest collections of Antarctic rocks and fossils in the world. The unique and irreplaceable collections contain over 200,000 specimens, collected primarily from Antarctica and the sub-Antarctic islands over the last 75 years.
The successful candidate will be assisting the Geological Collections Manager with the review of current holdings, archiving of samples and entering data onto the Geological collections database, and to implement new health and safety measures.
The successful candidate will need previous experience working in a laboratory, confident and flexible to work with minimal supervision. Enthusiasm and excellent interpersonal skills to work in a small team is a must!
Purpose
To assist the Geological Collections Manager with rationalising specimen storage, cataloguing and archiving specimens, and maintaining the Geological Collections Database. To assist with other laboratory duties as required.
Qualification
Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences
Duties
Assist with geological specimen archiving and storage.
Update and maintain the digital Geological Collections Database.
Assist with laboratory maintenance (as required).
Undertake any other duties as requested by the Director of BAS.
On-line application forms and further information are available on our website by clicking on the "Go to application page" button.
These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.
Please quote reference: BAS 78/17
Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 3rd December 2017
Interviews are scheduled to be held on: TBC
Proposed start date – 8th January 2018
We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from ethnic minorities are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome.
From April 2018, the British Antarctic Survey, a component part of the Natural Environment Research Council, will be part of UK Research and Innovation. UK Research and Innovation will bring together the seven Research Councils, Innovate UK and a new organisation, Research England. The vision for the new organisation is to be the best research and innovation organisation in the world. More information can be found online at http://www.ukri.org. From April 2018, you will be employed by UK Research and Innovation.
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Skills are listed as either Essential or Desirable. Desirable skills importance rating in parenthesis (1 is high, 5 is low)
Communication skills - a) oral skills written skills
Fluent in written and spoken English language - Essential
Computer / IT skills
Use of Microsoft Office (Word and Excel) - Essential
Use of Access and/or APEX databases - Desirable [1]
Decision Making
Ability to work with minimal supervision - Essential
Interpersonal skills
Ability to work as part of a small team - Essential
Managerial ability
Able to prioritise work activities with guidance from line manager - Desirable [2]
Numerical ability
Good numerical & arithmetic skills - Essential
Other Factors
Must be able to use step ladders. Work involves manual and assisted handling of heavy specimens over various heights - Essential
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences - Essential
Museum Studies qualification - Desirable [1]
Resource Management ability
Ability to work flexibly & effectively - Essential
Skills / Experience
Experience working in a laboratory - Essential
Experience of working in Earth Science storage facilities - Desirable [2]
ABOUT THE EMPLOYER
British Antarctic Survey (BAS), an institute of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Its skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic, work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth and our impact on it.
Reference number: BAS 78/17
https://www.bas.ac.uk/jobs/vacancy/geological-collections-assistant-cambridge/