Fisheries Data Scientist

Are you interested in the marine environment and would like to play a part in ensuring the sustainable management of Scotland’s fisheries?

The work of the Fisheries Data Scientist contributes directly to the sustainable management of Scottish fisheries.  You will be responsible for collating data and conducting analyses in support of sustainable fisheries management, to improve estimates of numbers of fish caught in commercial fisheries and to carry out fisheries stock assessment.

The Sea Fisheries Team of the Marine Directorate, based at the Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen is responsible for the collection and quality assurance of fishery and survey sampling data, along with stock assessment modelling, analysis and the provision of scientific advice on fisheries management. The evidence base provided by the team enables the management of Scotland's fisheries in a manner to create a strong, dynamic and productive economy which creates wealth and employment across Scotland, whilst recognising that our economy must be environmentally sustainable, inclusive and benefit all our people and communities.

• Prepare and analyse fishery and biological data for use in stock assessment and in support of other fisheries management related research. 
• Carry out stock assessments and contribute population modelling and analytical expertise to research projects on stock assessment and the evaluation of fisheries management strategies. 
• Represent the Marine Directorate at national and international scientific meetings and conferences, providing expert scientific input, collaborating with external colleagues and stakeholders. 
• Communicate the results of scientific work by delivering presentations, and preparing reports and advice for publication.
• The opportunity to conduct fieldwork as part of MD-SEDD catch sampling and research vessel survey programmes will be available. 

Qualifications

A relevant honours degree, such as marine science, biology, mathematics, or statistics, or relevant work experience.

Please confirm in your CV/Personal Statement that you hold the relevant qualification/experience.

 

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills:

1. Communicating science and engineering for government - Adapts communication styles to different audiences, including public communication or technical official communication.
2. Expertise in a high level programming language, preferably the R statistical environment, specifically the writing and documenting of robust code to carry out modelling and data analysis.

You can find out more about the skills required here: Insert link

Experience:

1. Experience of the management and quality control of large or complex data sets. 
2. Experience of statistical survey design, statistical modelling or data analysis.

Behaviours:

1. Working together - Level 3
2. Delivering at Pace - Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here Success Profiles 

How to apply

Apply online before 30 April 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1000 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation.

Assessments are scheduled for w/c 9 June 2025 however this may be subject to change.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. 

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week.  We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for,  please contact us.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.