Senior Statistician (permanent) from £25,981
Reference: CSP 2933
Background
The Central Science Laboratory (CSL) – see www.csl.gov.uk – is an Executive
Agency of the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra –
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, protect consumers and the environment. We have a
strong emphasis on statistics and modelling in our work. CSL is located
just outside the attractive university town of York (North Yorkshire, UK) in
modern purpose-built accommodation on a pleasant landscaped site.
(Information on York is available from http://www.thisisyork.co.uk/ and many
other web sites.)
The recently expanded Statistics and Informatics Team consists of eleven
staff providing statistical, Data Management, GIS and (bio)informatics
services to staff throughout CSL. Statistical support across the whole of
CSL is managed from within the Wildlife Ecology & Management Group. There
is a further statistician in the Wildlife Disease Ecology group based in
Gloucestershire. Statistical expertise 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. Statistics is a key skill and the post holder will have the
opportunity to play a crucial role in projects that often have significant
impact in public affairs. Most of the work relates to the design and
analysis of experiments and surveys. Some statistical research may be
needed to develop novel methods of analysis for particular areas of work.
There will be opportunities for further training and Continuing Professional
Development (CSL is an ‘Investor in People’ – see
http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk/IIP/Web/default.htm ).
The Job
Duties include reviewing and providing input to research proposals,
designing studies, advising scientists on statistical methods and analysing
and reporting data. Applications cover a wide range of science areas such
as ecology, applied biology and food science. The post holder will be also
required to provide general statistics and statistical computing support for
the York site. The post holder will help manage the work of other
statisticians, help co-ordinate statistical services throughout the
organisation and assume some responsibilities for managing the statistical
elements of scientific projects. It is likely that the post holder will
become the primary consultant for the Environmental Biology Group at CSL
(see the CSL web site for more information on the science portfolio of this
group.)
Qualifications and Experience
A degree, or equivalent qualification, in statistics or mathematics or a
degree in a relevant science subject with a strong statistics/mathematics
component and a post-graduate degree (MSc, Diploma or PhD) in statistics or
its applications is required. Candidates without this level of
qualification will need at least six years relevant experience. You must
also be able to demonstrate experience of statistical consultancy,
preferably in agricultural, ecological or applied biological research and
the ability to communicate statistical ideas to non-statisticians. Good
computing skills and a high level of expertise in a statistics package -
e.g. GenStat, MINITAB, SPSS or R are also essential.
Highly self-motivated, you will have excellent interpersonal skills and be
able to manage statistical work and liase with customers.
To be eligible for employment with the UK Civil Service you need to be a UK
national, Commonwealth Citizen, a British Protected person, a national of
state in the European Economic Area and certain non EEA family members.
CSL is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we operate flexible working
practices.
Salary will depend on relevant experience you can bring to the job.
To Apply
For an application pack call 01904 462302, quoting reference CSP2933 or
email [log in to unmask] Further information and an application form are also
available on the CSL Internet site at
www.csl.gov.uk/aboutcsl/jobs/vacancies.cfm. Full details of the post are at
http://www.csl.gov.uk/aboutcsl/jobs/pdf/2933.pdf .
Closing date for applications is 29 September 2005.
To discuss this opportunity informally please call the Team Leader, Alistair
Murray, on +44 (0)1904 462092.
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