See below for details of a job vacancy for a statistician at the DEFRA
Central Science Laboratory in York.

If you are interested in applying please contact [log in to unmask] for an
application form, or obtain one from CSL's web site:
http://www.csl.gov.uk/jobs/. Alternatively we have a 24 hour answerphone
service on 01904 462302.

The closing date for applications is 15/May/2002 and the salary range is
£20,000 to £25,000.

For an informal discussion please phone Graham Smith on 01904 462056.

Purpose of job:
To provide statistical support in relation to a variety of research
projects on ecology, applied biology and food science. The post holder
will be required to provide general statistics and statistical computing
support for the York site. This will include advising on, and carrying
out, statistical analyses as well as giving advice on experiment and
survey design.

Background:
The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) http://www.csl.gov.uk/ is an
Executive Agency of the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs
(DEFRA) http://www.defra.gov.uk/ . The Agency provides policy advice
and technical support underpinned by high quality R&D to help DEFRA, and
other customers, safeguard food supplies, and to protect consumers and
the environment. (See http://www.csl.gov.uk/aboutcsl/#mission for
further information on CSL's role.)

Statistical support across the whole of CSL is managed from within the
Countryside Management Group. The existing statistics team consists of
the senior biostatistician, an out-stationed biostatistician and a half
post at the York site. The new post holder will provide statistical
services both to the rest of the Countryside Management Group and to
other staff throughout CSL. Statistical advice is needed in all aspects
of CSL's scientific work, with areas such as vertebrate ecology,
agricultural pests and diseases, food science and microbiology making
particularly heavy demands. Most of the work relates to the design and
analysis of experiments and surveys. There will be opportunities for
further training and Continuing Professional Development (CSL is an
'Investor in People').

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

· To provide "helpdesk" statistics and statistical computing support.
· To conduct statistical analyses on ecological and biological datasets.
· To provide statistical advice to a variety of research projects.
· To assist in the design of ecological field surveys and biological
experiments.
· To assist in the development and maintenance of IntraNet statistics
resources.

Qualifications/Skills/Experience:
        
        Essential:
        A degree or equivalent qualification, in a relevant subject such as
statistics, mathematics or science with a strong statistics/mathematics
component. Candidates without a degree would need to have a minimum of
3 years relevant experience.
        
        In addition to the above you would also need at least 3 years
experience in the application of statistical methods in scientific
research OR a further degree/diploma involving application of statistics
OR professional status such as RSS Chartered Statistician or equivalent
        
        The following are also essential:
· Demonstrable ability to communicate statistical ideas to
non-statisticians and to understand the scientific principles behind
experimental data.
· At least two years experience in a high-level statistics package -
e.g. GenStat, MINITAB, SPSS.
· Excellent computing skills (including common Windows office software,
Excel).
· Excellent interpersonal skills and the commitment to work as part of a
team.
· Self-motivation and the ability to work unsupervised.
· Flexible approach to working in a busy and often varied work
environment.
        
        Desirable:
· Experience and/or strong interest in applying statistical techniques
in field ecology, applied biology and food science.
· Knowledge of regression models (linear, nonlinear, GLM),
non-parametric statistics, multivariate analyses, power analysis,
experimental design and sampling regimes.
· Experience of providing statistical consultancy.
· Advanced Excel skills including statistical extensions.
· Experience of relational database and GIS systems.
· Experience of web programming and site maintenance.

Special factors to be considered:
The work may involve some travel to visit experimental sites and to
attend meetings, particularly for collaborative projects. This may
occasionally be required at short notice.

Completed application forms and ethnic questionnaires should be returned
to:
Personnel
Room 11G18/19
Central Science Laboratory
Sand Hutton
York
YO41 1LZ
mailto:[log in to unmask]

PLEASE NOTE: If you have not been contacted within four weeks of the
advertised closing date, we regret that you have not been selected for
interview.