Salary
Band 5: £54, 047 - £59, 449 / Band 6: £43, 703 - £47, 941
Research / Senior Research Scientist - Marine Sedimentology and Geohazards
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
We are happy to consider candidates at Band 5 or Band 6, depending on experience:
Band 5: £54, 047 - £59, 449
Band 6: £43, 703 - £47, 941
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
We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic marine sedimentologist with a proven track record and experience in acquisition, analysis and integration of marine geohazards and sedimentology datasets.
We are looking for applicants with experience of publishing research outputs in peer reviewed journals, with a track record of securing research funding, who are able to demonstrate how their research has informed or been shaped by engagement with external stakeholders.
You will contribute to world-class research, supporting the delivery of active funded projects that span: i) Novel source to sink direct monitoring of turbidity currents in the NE Atlantic (MISSING-LINK); ii) Land-ocean characterisation of lahars in the Caribbean (LAHAR2SEA); and iii) Multi-hazards across the South Pacific that affect small island developing states (SP-SCATR). We are seeking candidates with the ambition and ability to develop their own research portfolio in sedimentology and geohazards, including identifying funding opportunities, building collaborations, and leading the development of competitive proposals to national and international funders.
The successful applicant will join the thriving Marine Geoscience research group at the NOC, whose expertise includes volcanology, seismology, rock physics, geochemistry and sedimentology, and will have access to world-class research facilities. This role will involve collaboration with groups across the NOC, which encompass a wide range of ocean science, technology and engineering.
The post-holder will have the support to continue to develop their skills and career, to grow their research portfolio in the area of marine geohazards, and to develop collaborations nationally and internationally. They will have the opportunity to engage with ongoing research programmes at NOC as well as having the time to develop their own projects, research direction and science leadership skills.
The role will require overseas travel including attendance at workshops and conferences, onshore fieldwork, and participation in seagoing expeditions on British and other research vessels.
This role is advertised at Researcher and Senior Researcher Grades. As a senior researcher candidates would be expected to develop and lead independent research programmes, manage resources and build and strengthen relationships with stakeholders.
About you
You will be an enthusiastic and motivated marine scientist with expertise in more than one area of marine sedimentology, geohazards, ocean observation, environmental monitoring, or geospatial analysis. You will have a track record of publishing high-quality research and be able to demonstrate how your work has informed or engaged stakeholders beyond academia, such as industry, policymakers, government agencies, or communities. You will be excited by the opportunity to contribute to multidisciplinary research programmes, develop new collaborations, and help shape future research directions through the development of innovative ideas and competitive funding proposals.
Applicants at Senior Researcher grade would be expected to demonstrate a growing reputation as a leader in your field, evidence of experience successfully applying for research funding and a strong portfolio of research outputs.
Applicants must have a PhD in marine sedimentology or closely related discipline and post-PhD experience in an active research role.
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 (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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.
Submitting an application
Please submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications submitted without a cover letter may not be considered. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07955 851648.
Please note that as part of your application you will be asked the following:
‘In no more than 300 words please describe your practical experience working with marine sedimentological samples and/or datasets in a research setting.’
You will also be asked to confirm you have a relevant PhD.
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.
Date advert posted: 12 June 2026.
Closing date: 10 July 2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
