Research Scientist - Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover)

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Fixed Term Appointment (12 months)

Full time (37 hours per week)

£43, 703

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

NOC is opening a fixed-term position in the Seafloor & Habitat Mapping team, part of the Seafloor Ecosystems Group, for a research scientist with expertise in marine habitat mapping, to cover a period of maternity leave.

Besides developing and publishing high-quality first-author scientific papers, the role will be focused on contributions to existing research projects (e.g. the NERC-funded AtlantiS project and European Commission project EMODnet bathymetry), and will include activities such as participation in the design and delivery of outputs (papers, reports, datasets etc.), research expeditions at sea, processing, compilation and analysis of interdisciplinary quantitative and qualitative datasets (imagery, geophysical, oceanographic), reporting of the findings in publications and conference/workshop presentations, stakeholder communication, student supervision and wider outreach activities. In addition, the successful candidate will also have some time to pursue their own research and develop their professional profile.

This position provides an attractive opportunity to gain experience as a habitat mapping researcher embedded in large research projects, and will underpin NOC’s excellence in the investigation of deep-sea habitats and ecosystems.

About you

We are looking for candidates with a PhD in earth sciences or environmental/marine sciences, or with equivalent years of experience, preferably in the fields of habitat mapping or seafloor geophysics/geomorphology. You are ready to take on new research topics and deliver project tasks, to progress your research portfolio. You have an in-depth understanding of acoustic mapping, including survey planning using shipboard and/or marine robotic/autonomous mounted systems, data acquisition, processing and interpretation. You are able to work with different acoustic mapping systems and have strong GIS and numerical or statistical analysis skills, particularly applied to habitat mapping and geomorphological processes. Knowledge of acoustic data classification methods, is desirable.  

Some of the projects have an extensive group of collaborators and stakeholders, including industry partners, so experience working in such an environment is a plus. 

The vision of the team is to develop an integrated approach to the study of marine environments, combining multiple disciplines to increase understanding. We therefore are looking for candidates who can demonstrate a keen interest in multidisciplinary research and who can communicate across disciplines and between research and stakeholders. You will also have a developing track record in scientific publishing and attracting funding, appropriate for your career stage.

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: 30 June 2025.

Closing date: 28 July 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.