Research Scientist - Microbial Oceanography

Research Scientist - Microbial Oceanography

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

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.

About the role

This role will investigate the chemical (organic matter and trace metal) control of diazotroph activity and diversity in the Indian Ocean subtropical gyre combining stable isotope tracing methods (IRMS and nanoSIMS) with omics (amplicon, metaG/metaT). You will join the ERC project EXPAND , which gathers a multidisciplinary team of biogeochemists, trace metal geochemists, microbial ecologists, physical oceanographers, and ocean engineers. You will test and deploy novel automated incubation equipment, run microbial culture experiments in the lab, and participate in oceanographic cruises.

About you

You are passionate about marine microbes and excited to join a multidisciplinary team tackling questions about the physical, chemical and biological controls of microbial activity in the ocean. You are independent, creative and collaborative.

You have a strong understanding of marine nitrogen fixation, with experience in culture and at-sea experimentation combining stable isotope tracing, microscopy and genetic methods. You are able to interpret microbial processes in a larger scale, oceanographic context, with a good understanding of how ocean circulation and mixing processes may affect microbial activity and diversity.

You are able to combine biogeochemical/microbial datasets with oceanographic data (CTD, currents, satellite products). You are well-versed in data analyses using tools like R or Python and have a good understanding of multivariate statistics.

You are comfortable with planning and participating in oceanographic cruises, and to communicate fluidly with project partners and collaborators.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

1. 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
2. a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
3. access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
4. access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
5. a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
6. a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
7. 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.

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 / .

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: 6 February 2025.

Closing date: 6 March 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.