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Research Scientist in Marine Biogeochemistry
National Oceanography Centre
Southampton, UK
GBP 42,062-42,062 / year
Posted on Apr 16, 2025
Research Scientist in Marine Biogeochemistry
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£42,062 per annum
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
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic oceanographer and/or marine biogeochemist with some experience using autonomous vehicles and/or sensors to understand marine biogeochemistry. You will contribute to an exciting multidisciplinary project investigating the physical, biogeochemical and ecological effects of glacier calving in Antarctica. In this research scientist position, you will play a central role in delivering the NERC funded POLOMINTS (Polar Ocean Mixing by Internal Tsunamis) project.
You will contribute to delivering world class research into biophysical interactions and the biological carbon pump in coastal bays in Antarctica. You will focus on quantifying the effects of glacial calving on ocean primary productivity and carbon export. You will analyse biological and biogeochemical datasets collected by autonomous platforms (floats, gliders) as well as an extensive collection of samples from 2 field seasons spent at Rothera Research Station in the West Antarctic Peninsula. This includes, but is not restricted to, calibration and data processing, analysis of biogeochemical data and data synthesis activities, deployment of autonomous platforms and/or collect in situ calibration measurements.
The role is offered as a permanent (Band 6) position, working for the first 3 years on the POLOMINTS project; the post-holder will have the support to continue to develop their skills and career, to grow their research portfolio and to develop collaborations nationally and internationally. They will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research programmes at NOC as well as having the time to develop their own projects, research direction and science leadership skills.
Note that participating in the 2 field seasons of up to 4 months each (January to April) in 2026 and 2027 is a requirement for the post, and a BAS medical must be successfully completed prior to deployment.
About you
You should have, or be close to completing (within six months), a PhD in oceanography or another quantitative discipline (e.g. Earth or environmental sciences), or have equivalent research experience. You will have a strong understanding of marine biogeochemistry and/or biophysical interactions, particularly in relation to the spatiotemporal variability of nutrient dynamics and phytoplankton productivity, and/or consequent carbon export.
Experience with autonomous observing platforms—especially gliders and floats—and with bio-optical sensors and associated data analysis is highly desirable. You will have good quantitative and analytical skills, experience with coding for data analysis (e.g. MATLAB or Python), and ideally a record of peer-reviewed publications relevant to the post.
You must be willing and able to travel to Antarctica and live for up to four months at Rothera Research Station (in the West Antarctic Peninsula) in each of the 2026 and 2027 field seasons (January to April).
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.
We have 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: 15 April 2025.
Closing date: 13 May 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.