Description

British Antarctic Survey

Reference: BAS 26/28
Contract type: AEP - Fixed-Term Appointment - 22 months (18 months deployed)
Location: Antarctic
Salary: AEP B1A £31,184 per annum (pro rata)
Closing date: 06 April 2026
Interview date: Early June

Background/Overview:

The British Antarctic Survey (BAS), part of the Natural Environment Research Council, aims to undertake a world-class programme of scientific research, and to sustain for the UK an active and influential regional presence and a leadership role in Antarctic affairs.

There is currently a vacancy for a marine biologist to work at the research laboratory at King Edward Point (KEP) on the sub-Antarctic Island of South Georgia. The successful candidate will assist with the laboratory and field-based research programme undertaken by BAS on behalf of the Government of South Georgia & the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI) and the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office). The research undertaken at KEP is science in support of the conservation and management of the South Georgia & South Sandwich Islands Marine Protected Area, including science underpinning the management of the krill, toothfish and icefish fisheries. Successful candidates will be expected to undertake field, seagoing and laboratory work to support all areas of KEP science.

Populations of land-breeding marine predators (e.g. penguins, flying seabirds and seals) are monitored to understand the impacts of climate change, fisheries and the recovery of the island's ecosystems from historical exploitation. The team at KEP undertake monitoring of population size and reproductive success of species such as Antarctic fur seals, Southern elephant seals, giant petrels and gentoo penguins. This work will involve regular trips to study beaches close to the station for population monitoring throughout the breeding seasons. Some specific data collection includes animal handling, for this reason animal handling experience is highly desirable. Some of the survey work will be undertaken by UAVs, so any previous experience with UAVs would be valuable.

The scientific programme at KEP also includes regular biological surveying of the coastal waters of South Georgia, including acoustic surveys for Antarctic krill and collection of plankton and oceanographic data from the South Georgia patrol vessel, Pharos SG. Laboratory work will include the analysis of specimens from the coastal sampling programme and the commercial fisheries. The work will be focused on the commercially important Patagonian toothfish, Antarctic Krill and mackerel icefish but will include research on a range of other associated species and bycatch. Feeding ecology, distribution, growth and reproductive ecology are the main research areas where you will be expected to provide data that help to underpin the sustainable management of fish resources at South Georgia. You will be required to participate in ship-based surveys of the commercially important species of South Georgia and could be asked to spend time at sea on commercial fishing vessels. The day-to-day management of the laboratory facilities is an important element of the post, including hosting visiting scientists. You will help to prepare data and reports as required and produce scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals where appropriate.

The research laboratory at King Edward Point, South Georgia opened in March 2001 following the departure of the military garrison from the island. The station boasts well-equipped analytical and wet laboratories, a scientific library and modern computer facilities linked to the BAS headquarters in Cambridge. A high quality, accommodation block provides comfortable living conditions for the personnel on station. Over winter the station has a BAS complement of eight: - two scientists and six support staff including a doctor. The station personnel also provide logistical support for the GSGSSI Government Officers, and the South Georgia Museum located at the abandoned whaling station at Grytviken. The post is a fixed term appointment of 29 months which includes up to 3 months pre-departure training in Cambridge, UK and a 26-month deployment to King Edward Point Research Station, South Georgia.

The recruited marine biologist will work in tandem with the current Marine Biologist at KEP (who will be in the second season of their deployment) and report to the Marine and Fisheries Scientist at BAS, Cambridge. The successful candidate will also be responsible for the implementation of Health and Safety regulations on the station and in the field. This position offers a fantastic opportunity for highly motivated and disciplined individuals with relevant fieldwork skills and a keen interest in wildlife, who will adapt well to small island living in a challenging sub-Antarctic environment.

This position is suitable for those seeking a challenging role in support of polar science, with opportunities to appreciate stunning coastal scenery and the wildlife inhabiting this amazing island.

Purpose:

To assist with all aspects of the laboratory and field-based research programme undertaken by BAS on behalf of the Government of South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands. To undertake predator monitoring and biological sampling of the inshore waters of South Georgia using a variety of techniques and to analyse samples in the laboratory.

Duties:

• To assist with all aspects of the implementation of the research programme at King Edward Point, South Georgia.
• To undertake monitoring of key populations of marine predators as part of established long term monitoring efforts.
• To undertake both laboratory and field research and participate in ship-based scientific surveys.
• To prepare data and reports as required and produce scientific papers for publication in peer-reviewed journals where appropriate.
• To assist with the update of the scientific database.

Skills Specification

Essential:

• Awarded an Honours degree in marine science (or equivalent) by the interview date
• Ability to work at sea
• Marine science background with experience in fisheries science and/or marine predator biology
• Field data collection and management
• Awareness of risk assessments and safety management plans for field work
• Animal handling experience (e.g. marine predator or large animal handling)
• At-sea fieldwork experience (e.g. deploying oceanographic instruments, plankton trawls, seabird or marine mammal observations)
• Degree standard computing and IT
• Proficient in written and spoken English language
• Accurate science reporting to deadlines
• Presentation skills - e.g. science presentations
• Self-motivated and can work unsupervised
• Ability to prioritise tasks and act on own initiative
• Able to make considered judgement calls during high-risk field operations or when responding to incidents
• Ability to work harmoniously with a close-knit team and mix positively with others in a remote environment
• Ability to work remotely with minimum supervision
• You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions
• You must be fit and physically capable of working on rugged terrain and at sea on research surveys

Desirable:

• A master's degree in marine science
• Basic laboratory management skills
• Experience using UAVs
• Knowledge of outdoor first aid
• Experience of statistical, database and/or GIS software applications (e.g. R, ArcGIS)
• Experience contributing to peer-review publications

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

Although this job is not UK based, the successful candidate will be required to attend training in the UK which will require a right to work.

For this role, the only potential for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa is where an individual is currently sponsored for another role/sponsor assigned via a certificate of sponsorship dated prior to 5 April 2024 who also continues to meet the New Entrant criteria of the Skilled worker route. At interview, all shortlisted candidates are required to bring with them identification documents and original documents that prove they hold or can obtain the right to work in the UK. You can check your eligibility here: https://www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa/y .About Us
UKRI - UK Research and Innovation
UKRI is an organisation that brings together the seven disciplinary research councils, Research England and Innovate UK. Together, we build an independent organisation with a strong voice and vision ensuring the UK maintains its world-leading position in research and innovation.

Supporting some of the world's most exciting and challenging research projects, we develop and operate some of the most remarkable scientific facilities in the world. We are pushing the frontiers of human knowledge through fundamental research and delivering benefits for UK society and the economy through world-class research, skills and business-led innovation.

More information can be found at www.ukri.org .

Choosing to come to work at UKRI means that you will have access to a whole host of benefits from a defined benefit pension scheme, excellent holiday entitlement, access to employee shopping/travel discounts and salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme. For more details, visit benefits of working for UKRI .

How we support EDI in the workforce

At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so. We also value diversity of thought and experience within inclusive groups, organisations and the wider community. For further information, please visit 'How we support EDI in the workforce'.

Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

How to apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the 'experience' section of the application.

UKRI seeks to ensure it creates and maintains a system of openness, fairness and inclusion - a collaborative, trusted environment, which is attractive to and accessible to everyone who is interested in developing their career with us.

The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during the course of employment.About the Team
British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world-leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our 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 as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of theNatural Environment Research Council (NERC).NERCis part of UK Research and Innovation www.ukri.org

We employ experts from many different professions to carry out our Science as well as keep the keep the lights on, feed the research and support teams and keep everyone safe! If you are looking for an opportunity to work with amazing people in one of the most unique places in the world, then British Antarctic Survey could be for you. We aim to attract the best people for those jobs.British Antarctic Survey | Fixed-Term Appointment - 22 months | Antarctica | £31,183 per annum (pro rata) | Closing date: 06 April 2026