Research Scientist - Megafaunal Ecology

Research Scientist - Megafaunal Ecology

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

£40,444 Per annum (Band 6)

Who are we?

We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean.

We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community whose focus is on improving the world in which we live. Our work is balanced by our strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and an unwavering commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach.

We have a rich history dating back to 1949, and our future has never looked more exciting as we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.

About the role

With an expanding portfolio of scientific work, the Seafloor Ecosystems team at NOC are recruiting to enhance our team working on the abyssal Pacific, focused on the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.

NOC is looking for a researcher in Megafaunal Ecology to complement our wide-ranging portfolio of benthic ecosystem research from coasts to the deep-sea. The successful applicant will lead research into the environmental impacts of deep-sea mining and the biological response and recovery to disturbance. They will be supported by a very experienced team, with a strong track-record in this area of science. This role will initially be responsible for turning deep-sea images into scientific data, by identifying and annotating individual animals in images of the seafloor. The successful applicant will lead the development of these data into a scientific publication during the first 9 months of the job. After this time, the successful applicant will become integrated into other deep-sea research projects. They will be supported to develop into an independent scientist.

About you

You need to have technical expertise in an area of marine ecology, ideally investigating seafloor ecosystems in the deep ocean. You should have a PhD.

At Band 6, you will have a record of internationally peer-reviewed publications ideally including those of high impact to the field. You should have experience of collecting and analysing ecological datasets and technical proficiency in appropriate methods for this. The role will suit a proactive and motivated person. Experience in computer programming in R and use of GIS is highly advantageous. This role will entail global travel and work at sea. The role will also require interaction with industry, particularly deep-sea mining companies (who fund but cannot influence the work).

Why the NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits including 30 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.

We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.

The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

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.

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. For overseas applicants who are willing to move to the UK we may be able to offer financial support with relocation.

How to apply:

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 / 07590 805967

Before submitting your application, please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

Date advert posted: 26/02/2024.

Closing date: 02/04/2024. Please note this vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.

Assessing applications

All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Job Description and Person Specification’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the most suitable candidates will be invited to interview.

If you have been selected for interview, we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview, we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.