APEM has more than 20 years’ experience of the analysis of aquatic biological samples. With the advent of the EU Water Framework Directive, and its accent on assessing ecological status, it’s crucial to be able to accurately identify the taxonomic groups sampled from the aquatic environment. These identification skills are in short demand in the UK. Here at APEM we have one of the leading aquatic biological laboratory facilities in Europe: APEM BioLabs.
APEM BioLabs is synonymous with high-quality analysis, large capacity and fast-turnaround. Clients either send us their samples directly or they are collected by APEM as part of a wider project. The specification of analyses provided is tailored to the needs of the project, with flexibility being one of our strongest qualities. APEM is a champion in fostering the specialist taxonomic skills that are in increasingly short supply and is committed to providing rewarding careers and long-term professional development for aquatic taxonomists.
APEM has invested heavily in state-of-the-art laboratories which have been designed in consultation with the Environment Agency, to meet their requirements. APEM’s marine and freshwater taxonomy teams have seen significant growth over the last five years and continue to expand in size and reputation. We are therefore recruiting at all levels throughout the company and can offer several work locations.
APEM is synonymous with delivering practical, client-focussed solutions to aquatic environmental problems, based on robust science and accurate data. This is a unique opportunity for motivated aquatic taxonomists to join a dynamic and forward-thinking company at a key stage in its development and to forge long-term and fulfilling careers within their chosen disciplines.
The role you undertake within the team will be dependent upon your experiences and position as highlighted in the grades / job descriptions featured on the vacancy page.
Marine Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy
APEM’s marine macroinvertebrate laboratory has undergone considerable expansion over the last three years in response to our growing reputation in providing high-quality and swift turnaround of samples, primarily to service the increasing requirements of the offshore energy and aggregate sectors. Marine invertebrate samples are delivered to APEM BioLabs from throughout the UK, either direct from clients or collected by APEM as part of a wider project.
Sampling is carried out by a dedicated marine survey team, utilising a variety of sampling methods and equipment, in both intertidal and subtidal environments. Surveys frequently make use of APEM’s own survey boats, as well as hovercraft and even our aerial survey capability as necessary. Sampling equipment commonly deployed includes Day and Ekman grabs, intertidal cores and trawls.
Marine macroinvertebrate taxonomists are primarily laboratory based, but are asked to participate in fieldwork, data analysis, project management and report writing, as required.
APEM’s marine invertebrate laboratories operate to a strict internal Analytic Quality Control system, to nationally recognised quality standards. APEM is an active participant in the NMBAQC scheme, which provides training and external quality control to its participants.
Freshwater Macroinvertebrate Taxonomy
APEM’s freshwater macroinvertebrate laboratories process samples collected from all freshwater habitats, using all sampling methods, from all over the UK, and beyond. Many samples are collected and delivered directly by clients and we regularly service the outsourcing laboratory requirements of the UK environmental agencies.
However, a large proportion of our freshwater samples are collected by APEM as part of wider investigations, such as water abstraction/low flow studies, Drought Order monitoring, baseline monitoring for environmental assessments, EIAs, pollution investigations and freshwater habitat management. Sampling is carried out by trained macroinvertebrate specialists following quality-assured protocols in all freshwater habitats, using all sampling methods, such as kick/sweep, air-lift, dredge, Surber, grab and core methods.
Freshwater macroinvertebrate taxonomists are primarily laboratory based, but are asked to participate in fieldwork, data analysis, project management and report writing, as required.
APEM’s freshwater macroinvertebrate laboratory operates to strict Analytical Quality Control standards, which exceeds standards set by the UK environmental agencies. Analyses undertaken for these agencies are subject to external audit. APEM’s Stockport laboratory has been accredited to ISO 17025 by UKAS, for the analysis of freshwater macroinvertebrates to species level. APEM is the only laboratory with accreditation. The UKAS badge is a symbol of our high expectations with respect to analysis of freshwater macroinvertebrate samples.
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