Research Scientist - Marine Ecologist / Marine Habitat Mapper
Research Scientist – Marine Ecologist / Marine Habitat Mapper
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Salary: £35,360 (Band 6)
Full Time (37 hours per week)
Fixed Term (2 years)
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
We are looking for a marine ecologist or marine habitat mapping/modelling scientist to join our dynamic Seafloor Ecosystems sub-group at the National Oceanography Centre. We carry out fundamental and applied research into the structure, spatial distribution, status and function of marine habitats, from shallow waters to the deep sea.
You will contribute your expertise to a number of national and international programmes that seek to either map marine habitats or use marine spatial data in novel and informative ways that inform science as well as marine management. We currently have a broad portfolio of active projects within the group (covering marine habitat mapping and modelling, marine spatial planning, blue carbon assessments and understanding climate change) and we therefore expect the successful candidate to have a broad interest in marine science, be flexible and be ready to contribute to multiple topics.
This role requires a broad set of skills that will include data collection at sea, analysis, interpretation, publication writing and the ability to communicate findings to both scientific and stakeholder audiences. You will contribute to, and will receive training in, spatial data collection and analysis. You will also be expected to contribute to the development of new research funding proposals for a wide range of funding stakeholders.
Through participation in various projects, you will have the opportunity to create a strong research profile and expand your international network. This is a unique opportunity for scientific career development, for which we will provide a formal support structure.
About you
You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in marine science, and an enthusiasm for marine ecology, spatial analysis and marine management. We are looking for candidates with data analysis skills, particularly applied to geostatistical modelling and spatial analysis. You will be familiar with the applications of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and statistical analysis (e.g. R), within a marine or habitat mapping context if possible.
You will demonstrate a track record in scientific publication appropriate for your career stage, and potential for the development of a coherent research portfolio that can attract funding. We are especially looking for candidates who can work across disciplines and are experienced generalists within marine ecology.
Why the NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits including 28 days annual leave, plus 3.5 local closure days and 8 public bank holidays, and a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan.
We are committed to flexible working, trusting our staff to get the job done. And we offer an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.
Southampton: The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking. We support opportunities for further training and development.
Our commitment as an employer
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, and has signed up to the Athena SWAN charter principles to take action to address gender equality.
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 assessment criteria.
Date advert posted: 01 July 2021.
Closing date: 30 July 2021. 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 ‘Candidate Assessment’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the strongest 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.