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Research Scientist - Biological Carbon Pump
National Oceanography Centre
Southampton, UK
Posted on Jan 14, 2025
Research Scientist - Biological Carbon Pump
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Fixed Term Appointment (9 months)
Full time (37 hours per week)
£42, 062
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
You will be joining a dynamic and diverse research team investigating the processes that regulate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) cycling in the ocean as part of the CHALKY project (part of UK’s Bio-Carbon programme). This project addresses critical questions about how coccolithophores—key marine calcifiers—contribute to carbon export and the ocean’s carbon sink, exploring the interplay of grazing, viral mortality, and carbonate dissolution in surface waters.
As part of the CHALKY team, you will analyze data collected during a recent research expedition to the Irminger Basin, which included Marine Snow Catcher deployments and high-resolution imaging of large sinking particles (e.g., aggregates and faecal pellets). You will work on the quantification and characterization of CaCO3 sinking fluxes and their variability, using advanced tools such as optical profiling rigs, image analysis techniques, and particle composition workflows.
Your work will focus on ensuring data quality, interpreting findings in collaboration with marine biogeochemists and ecologists, and publishing peer-reviewed research that contributes to understanding the CaCO3 cycle, the biological carbon pump, and its implications for air-sea CO2 exchange. You will be a key member of a large multidisciplinary programme.
About you
You are passionate about uncovering the dynamics of the ocean’s carbon cycle and excited to join a team tackling complex questions about biogeochemistry, ecology, and climate processes. You are independent, creative, and eager to develop new skills while producing high-quality scientific outputs.
You have a strong understanding of oceanic carbon cycling and particle flux dynamics, with experience in the collection and analysis of sinking particles, such as aggregates and faecal pellets. You are proficient in data analysis using tools like R or Python and enjoy working with large datasets. Experience with imaging techniques and optical profiling systems will be advantageous.
You are comfortable engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations and are motivated to contribute to a project that spans fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and computational data analyses. Experience with sea-going research campaigns and an interest in contributing to international collaborations will be advantageous.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Submitting an application
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07955 851648.
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
Date advert posted: 13 January 2025.
Closing date: 10 February 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.