Research Scientist in Applied Signals Processing

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 

Permanent 

Full time (37 hours per week) 

£42,062 - £46,141

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

The ocean is a highly complex environment containing processes occurring on a very wide range of spatio-temporal scales. From climate changes on planetary scales taking centuries to turbulence over a few centimetres or ocean acoustics at sub-Hz to 100’s of kHz. 

The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) continues to develop unprecedentedly dense space-time observational capabilities, e.g., utilising distributed optical fibre sensing (DOFS) and other cutting-edge technologies. These novel data sets can reach 10’s GB/s and contain the compound signal of many of these oceanographic processes and their non-linear interactions. Such data sets pose significant data management, analysis and interpretation challenges requiring the development of bespoke signals processing and analysis pathways. 

This role will develop the advanced signal processing techniques required to relate DOFS measurements in variety of cable configurations, e.g., energy and telecom cables on seafloor, mooring line, tethers from mobile platforms etc. to environmental conditions (e.g., water depth, temperature, flow velocity, pressure, seafloor characteristics, ocean sound etc) and provide a unique view of ocean processes at high space-time resolution. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to contribute to the planning and execution of upcoming laboratory experiments and fieldwork campaigns.

 The role will contribute to a range of projects centred around the exploitation of DOFS for use in research spread between the groups of Ocean BioGeoscience (OBG) and Marine Physics and Ocean Climate (MPOC) at the NOC. NOC has a growing DOFS research and development team, dedicated to marine applications with expertise ranging from complex signals processing & machine learning, optoelectronics & optical fibre sensing, physical oceanography, geophysics & ocean acoustics. 

The group works towards leveraging the ground-breaking potential of the entire sea floor cable network to understand the changes and variability of our oceans in unprecedented detail. Ultimately, our work aims at driving a deeper understanding of the role of the ocean in the climate system; enabling a better preparedness against hazards & pollution; contributing towards a sustainable marine economy; providing a dynamic view of the growing biodiversity and/or helping develop strategies for better ecosystem management. Within these broader long-term ambitions, the post holder will have ample opportunity to find their own pathway. 

About you

We are looking for someone with a PhD degree (already obtained or nearing one by the start date) in applied mathematical science: mathematics/physics, signal processing, engineering, fluid dynamics, physical oceanography (with a strong mathematical component) or a related discipline. 

You must be an expert in signals processing with ability to efficiently automate the processing routines for diverse class of data (e.g., bigdata through optimal use of computing resources) in any of the languages: Python, C/C++, R, Matlab, Julia. 

Experience substantiating the above requirements (e.g., through publications record), will be necessary.

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 / 07355 676794. 

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: 25 April 2025. 

Closing date: 23 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.