Geomagnetic Data Processor

The British Geological Survey (BGS)

Geomagnetic Data Processor

Appointment will be at either UKRI Pay Band B/S2 or Pay Band C/S2 (depending on qualifications, skills, and experience)

Salary: Pay Band B/S2 is £26,876 per annum and Pay Band C/S2 is £31,298

A great benefits package is offered including an outstanding pension scheme (with an extremely generous employer contribution – on average 27% of your pay), 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays!

Contract Type: Fixed term (3 years)

Full-time - 37 hours a week or part-time (some flexible working options may be available, including some remote working, in line with BGS policy)

Location: BGS Lyell Centre, Edinburgh

Closing date: Sunday 22 June 2025

About the role

BGS has an exciting science career opportunity for two skilled and motivated geomagnetic data processors to join the BGS Geomagnetism Team on 3 year fixed term contracts. The positions are based in our offices in Edinburgh, located on the Heriot Watt University campus.

The Geomagnetism Team undertakes long-term monitoring of the Earth’s magnetic field through the operation of magnetic observatories in the UK and overseas. We research the magnetic field changes in observatory and satellite data that result from space weather and solar activity and how this impacts modern technology. We also use worldwide land, marine, airborne and satellite data to make global models describing how the Earth’s magnetic field changes in space and time and what that reveals about physical processes within the solid Earth!

We apply our science in precision navigation, including directional drilling for oil and gas, as well as researching the effect and impact of space weather hazard on ground-based and near-earth technology and our environment.

Key duties and responsibilities

To assist with the team’s capability to enable enhanced geomagnetic referencing services for navigation by responding to industry customers by e-mail on a day-to-day basis and delivering results to those customers within set timescales; and
To provide support to the team’s activities in operating the BGS magnetic observatories, by carrying out routine data analysis, quality control checking and monitoring the real-time delivery of high-quality data products to both scientific and commercial users.

In addition, you will also:

Provide scientific support to colleagues working on new science, IT and engineering developments and improvements to the team’s outputs and services including space weather and navigational information; and
Undertake appropriate on-the-job training in basic geomagnetism to understand the background to the work being carried out.
About you

You will have qualifications in Mathematics and/or Physics to at least Scottish Higher or A-Level standard. A BSc (Hons) in Geophysics, Physics, Space Science, Mathematics, or evidence of similar capability would be necessary for the Band C role.

Candidates should be able to demonstrate a proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook, Word and Excel. Experience working on Linux-based computers or in other non-Windows operating systems would be a real advantage, as would programming skills (particularly one or more of Python, FORTRAN, C, Java, shell scripting) as well as a familiarity with scientific data analysis.

You should also be able to demonstrate an interest in Geomagnetism and/or Space Weather and some basic background knowledge in these areas would be desirable.

This post would suit a self-motivated person with excellent communication skills and who is willing to be an active team colleague. You will be required to work at our Edinburgh office during normal business hours.

Essential requirements (Band B/C)

• Higher or Advance Higher or A-level or equivalent in mathematics and/or physics or evidence of similar capability (S)
• Basic appreciation of scientific data analysis (S&I)
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office software packages, including Word, Outlook, and Excel (S&I)
• Ability to work flexibly, proactively, and collectively in a team (S&I)
• Curiosity about and enthusiasm for the work of Geomagnetism and BGS (S&I)
• Excellent written and oral communication skills (S&I)
• You will be committed to a diverse and inclusive approach to work in the geosciences (S&I)

Essential requirements (Band C)

• BSc (Hons) in physics, geophysics, space science, or mathematics or evidence of similar capability (S)
• Knowledge and experience working on Linux or Unix operating systems as a user (S&I) including computer programming languages (particularly one or more of Python, FORTRAN, C, Java, Shell scripts) (S&I) 

Desirable requirements

• Experience using data analysis techniques in academic or industry settings, or experience working in a customer service environment (S&I)

Please note – you will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re-run security clearance as required during your employment.

Our Core Values and commitment to promoting equality and diversity across our organisation underpin the continuous drive to improve our scientific and organisational efficiency. As such, we aim to have a workforce with employees from all backgrounds with people who are passionate about earth science and who share our dedication to work for the good of the environment and the benefit of society. BGS became a signatory of the Technician Commitment in July 2022.

How to apply

Applicants are required to include a CV and covering letter outlining their suitability for the role. We would stress the importance of this paperwork in our selection process.

A well thought through application providing evidence and examples of how you meet the advertised essential and desirable criteria for the post will be considered far more favourably than a generic covering letter and CV.

If you experience any issues applying for this role, please contact Recruitment@ukri.org.

The closing date for receipt of applications is 22 June 2025. Interviews are expected to be held in mid July 2025 at the Lyell Centre, Edinburgh.