Aquaculture Research Technician (Trainee)

Role Overview & Responsibilities

Pontus Research Limited is an innovative scientific research organisation based off the Heads of the Valleys road (A465) in Hirwaun, Rhondda Cynon Taff, South Wales. Over the past 9 years the company has built a reputation as one of the leading aquaculture research companies in the world, with sites in the UK and Singapore.

This is an inclusive and progressive role and would certainly suit an ambitious, forward thinking and flexible candidate with the desire to be an integral part of the sustainable future of food production. You will also be instrumental in the growth of the business, help to create jobs, as well as raising the profile of science and aquaculture locally, nationally and globally.

We are looking for ambitious people to take us to the next stage of our development by bringing additional capacity online; you will be self-motivated, able to work effectively with limited supervision and have an inquisitive attitude. You will be comfortable looking after fish – feeding, cleaning, maintaining water quality, observing – and you will also be competent in scientific methods – data collection, data entry, statistical analysis.

As part of small technical project team, you will be responsible for:-

Key duties

• Day to day husbandry of the trial animals.
• Measure and record system parameters (water chemistry, physical parameters etc).
• Collect and record data from weighing, feeding, etc.
• Oversee the collection of physical samples, processing, and shipping to labs, collating the resulting data from the labs.
• Work with the Project Coordinators to analyse data, write reports, update clients etc.
• Work independently to generate excellent data for clients.
• Can communicate effectively, orally (in person and in online meetings), in writing, generally and in relation to scientific and technical topics.

Essential

• You must live within 15 minutes of the site (animal welfare) - we understand that a relocation may be required
• Understanding of water chemistry and its impact on aquatic animals.
• Understanding of basic requirements for biosecurity.
• Experience in collecting, recording and analysing scientific data.
• Excellent IT literacy skills – Microsoft office and statistical analysis tools.
• Driven and energised – can work independently.
• Excellent attention to detail

Highly Desired:

• Degree (e.g. B.Sc.) in fish biology, aquaculture, or related discipline.
• Previous experience working in a research setting.
• Experience with working with species such as salmon, trout, tilapia, carp and shellfish.
• Experience in advanced fishkeeping and/or aquaculture.
• Statistical analysis using SPSS.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The entry level salary is £21,255 per annum.
• 37.5 working hours per week.
• 28 days annual holiday, increasing to 33 days over 5 years.
• Free on-site parking.
• Excellent progression opportunities with business growth.
• Opportunity to travel globally.
• To be a key member of a team who are passionate about our world and our sustainable future.

All applications must include a current CV and a short cover letter. Please outline your notice period and if a relocation is required

Applicants MUST apply via Indeed. All applications are automatically forwarded to the HR email box.

Closing date is 11th April, however, we will assess applicants and hold interviews prior to this date.

Applicants must be UK citizens or have an existing right to work in the UK to be eligible for this position - This role is not open for sponsorship.

Job Type: Full-time

Salary: £21,255.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Aberdare: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Bachelor's (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 11/04/2023