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.
Phytoplankton Taxonomy
APEM’s laboratories process phytoplankton samples collected from freshwater and marine habitats, 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. APEM operates a ‘standalone’ analysis service for phytoplankton, providing fast-turnaround and quality-assured results to our clients.
Phytoplankton samples are often delivered to our laboratories from different regions of the world, as our clients find the reliable service we provide is unrivalled. Differences in phytoplankton taxonomy from these other regions are overcome by careful research and diligence, and provide an interesting challenge.
However, a large proportion of our phytoplankton samples are collected by APEM as part of wider investigations, such as water resource studies, water quality investigations, pollution investigations and aquatic habitat management. Phytoplankton samples are collected by APEM on a regular basis for numerous routine monitoring projects, from both marine and freshwater environments. Samples may be taken using a plankton net, discrete depth sampler or tube sampler, as required by the project.
Samples are analysed using either the Utermöhl technique, or the haemocytometer method, as required by the client. Identification is usually to species level for all groups, although some clients require only toxic species to be identified. Biovolume calculations are sometimes required for all species.
APEM BioLabs operates to strict Analytical Quality Control standards, which exceeds standards set by the UK environmental agencies. APEM’s Stockport laboratory has been accredited to ISO 17025 by UKAS, for the analysis of freshwater and marine phytoplankton. The UKAS badge is a symbol of our high expectations with respect to analysis.
Zooplankton Taxonomy
Zooplankton samples are collected by APEM on a regular basis for numerous routine monitoring projects, from both marine and freshwater environments. Samples are usually collected using a plankton trawl net and the length of the trawl depends upon the nature of the waterbody being sampled. Additionally, APEM frequently operates a ‘standalone’ analysis service for zooplankton, providing fast-turnaround and quality-assured results to our clients.
Identification of zooplankton may be to family or ‘major groups’ level, or may be to species level, depending upon the client’s requirements. Identification of cladocera and copepoda to species is our standard service.
APEM BioLabs operates to strict Analytical Quality Control (AQC) standards, which exceeds standards set by the UK environmental agencies. Staff are expected to assist with our strict AQC regime, which involves constant updating of skills.
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