GI Scientist (permanent) circa £22,000
Reference: CSP 2897

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 new post holder will join an expanding Statistics and Informatics Team
within the Wildlife Ecology & Management Group providing statistical,
GIScience and bioinformatics services to staff throughout CSL.  The majority
of the data collected and analysed at CSL is spatially referenced and
GIScience expertise plays a key role in most aspects of CSL's scientific
work, with areas such as the management of non-native and indigenous plant
pests and diseases, vertebrate ecology, land use ecology and the fate of
pesticides making particularly heavy demands. GIScience is a key skill and
the post holder will have the opportunity to play a crucial role in projects
that often have significant impacts in public affairs.  Most of the work
relates to the design and analysis of observational studies, surveys and
contingency plans. Assistance with actions to combat non-native species,
sometimes in emergency situations, will also be needed.  Research to develop
novel methods of data analysis for particular areas of work will be required
and should lead to publications in refereed scientific journals. The post
holder will be encouraged to develop and foster strong links with GI experts
in universities, government and other research institutes.  There will be
opportunities for further training and Continuing Professional Development .

In addition to generating a wide variety of its own spatiallyreferenced
datasets, CSL holds numerous GI datasets ranging from a full suite of
Ordnance Survey vector and raster data to the Defra farm census. The post
holder will be expected to assist with the management and exploitation of
these datasets, ensuring quality and metadata standards are upheld.
GIScience activities are undertaken by a large number of teams at CSL,
fostered by a cross-group Spatial Processes Network. The GIScientist will be
expected to play a strong role in this network, enhancing existing
activities, stimulating new research, ensuring quality standards, providing
expert advice and publicising outputs.  The GIScientist will also be
expected to develop close links with the wider Defra GI community to promote
CSL’s contribution and access to data.  The post is supported by strong GI
Systems expertise from within the Information Systems Team at CSL – so the
primary focus of the post will be on the science and applications rather
than the technical aspects of GI work.  Good GI infrastructure and hardware
are provided.

The Job
To provide Geographical Information Science (GIScience) expertise to a
variety of research projects on ecology and applied biology. The post holder
will also be required to provide GI, GIS and spatial statistics support to
CSL, advising on the design and analysis of observational studies, surveys
and contingency plans.  The emphasis of the post is very much on spatial
statistics and modelling – not on GI Systems and technology.
· to enhance CSL’s GI capability, stimulating new applications
· to undertake complex spatial analyses on specific projects
· to participate in the development of contingency plans and actions in
biosecurity emergencies
· to ensure project outputs can be readily exploited  by CSL customers, e.g.
by generating web-based GIS interfaces
· to assure the quality of GI outputs at CSL
· to provide expert advice in the use of GIS to CSL staff
· to develop strong links with GI experts in universities, government and
other research institutes

Qualifications and Experience
Essential
A higher degree in a in a GIScience related discipline or in a relevant
science subject with a strong GIScience component and a minimum of 2 years
relevant experience.
Or
A degree (or equivalent qualification) in a GIScience related discipline or
in a relevant science subject with a strong GIScience component and at least
3 years relevant experience.
Or
At least 6 years relevant experience in a GIScientist role or equivalent
position with extensive application of GI Science methods and software to
spatial problems.

The following are also essential:

· Proven skills in the manipulation and analysis of spatially referenced
datasets at different spatial and temporal scales
· A detailed knowledge and experience of GIS software, particularly ESRI’s
ArcGIS product family
· Proficient in the use of common computing skills (including common Windows
office software)
· Demonstrable interpersonal skills and aptitude for consultancy and
team-working
· Demonstrable written and oral communication skills including an ability to
present information effectively to customers and outside organisations,
provide expert advice to nonspecialists in GIS techniques, and write
scientific papers and reports
· Self-motivation and the ability to work with minimal supervision.
· Flexible approach to working in a busy and often varied work environment

 Desirable:

· Knowledge/experience with geodatabases, GI data management and relevant
formal quality standards e.g. Joint Code of Practice
http://www.defra.gov.uk/science/documents/QACoP_V8.pdf
· Experience of GIS consultancy, preferably in an applied environmental or
ecological context
· Familiarity with the manipulation and integration of UK geographical,
environmental and hydrological datasets at different spatial and temporal
scales
· Knowledge of spatial statistics techniques with experience in applications
· Interest in enhancing the spatial component of mathematical models, e.g.
to predict and map the spread of pests, diseases, wildlife and pollutants.

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.

To Apply
For an application pack call 01904 462302, quoting reference CSP2897 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/csp2897.pdf .

Closing date for applications is 11 May 2005.

To discuss this opportunity informally please call the Team Leader, Alistair
Murray, on +44 (0)1904 462092 or the CSL Spatial Processes Network Leader
Richard Baker on +44 (0)1904 462220.