Assistant Scientific Officer Freshwater Fisheries

Assistant Scientific Officer Freshwater Fisheries

Branch: Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch (FAEB)
Location: Newforge Lane, Belfast
Hours: 37 hours - Flexibility required, including potential overtime, weekends, and unsociable hours

About the Role

The Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI) is seeking an Assistant Scientific Officer to join its Fisheries and Aquatic Ecosystems Branch (FAEB) Freshwater Fisheries section.

The FAEB Branch delivers research, development, monitoring, and technology transfer to support the sustainable management of aquatic resources in Northern Ireland.

In this role, you will contribute to field and laboratory work involving the collection and processing of biological information from freshwater fish species, particularly eels. The role will involve significant fieldwork, including working from small boats on rivers and lakes, alongside laboratory-based data recording and sample processing.

Key Responsibilities

• Handling and taking biological measurements of live and dead eels and other freshwater fish in the field, laboratories, and at fishery locations.
• Conducting sampling activities from small boats on rivers and freshwater lakes.
• Maintaining field and laboratory sampling equipment.
• Recording data in both field and laboratory settings, with accurate entry into electronic formats.
• Preparing and processing biological samples.
• Driving to and from fishery and survey sites.
• Assisting with other laboratory, field, or office duties as directed by supervisors.

Essential Criteria

Applicants must, by the closing date for applications, demonstrate the following:

1. Education: GCSE/GCE 'O' Level at grades A-C in English and Maths.
2. Experience: At least 6 months' experience in aquatic science data collection, including work in challenging environmental conditions.
3. Licence: A full driving licence valid in the UK, enabling travel to fishery and survey sites.

Desirable Criteria

• A third-level qualification in freshwater, environmental, biological, or marine science.
• Experience handling live and dead fish.
• Experience in data handling and electronic data entry.
• Physical fitness and willingness to undertake outdoor fieldwork, manual handling, and unsociable hours.
• RYA Level 1 Powerboat or equivalent certification.
• Experience in microscopy.
• First aid training/certification.
• Manual handling training/certification.

Why Join AFBI?

• Be part of a highly respected research organisation supporting sustainable management of aquatic resources.
• Gain hands-on experience in both field and laboratory environments.
• Work alongside scientists and technical experts in a supportive team.
• Contribute to fisheries and aquatic ecosystem research with real-world impact.

Apply Now!
Take the next step in your career and join a rewarding role with AFBI. Apply today or contact Hannah Fitzsimons at [email protected]