Group
Marine Ecosystem Processes
Research Scientist – Plastic Pollution
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£45,233
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
Pollution is a global challenge undermining marine resilience, ecosystem services, and human health and is a core research priority at the National Oceanography Centre. We are looking to expand our capability in cutting‑edge plastic‑pollution research and are seeking a talented and motivated Research Scientist to join our team working on nanoplastics in the marine environment.
This role will place you at the forefront of marine nanoplastic pollution research. You will contribute to the development of novel methodologies and apply cutting‑edge analytical techniques to detect and characterise plastic pollutants at previously unattainable scales. You will help to design and deliver laboratory and field studies, build and optimise methodological workflows, conduct multi‑technique sample analyses in our advanced laboratories, and lead data interpretation, publication, and communication of results to scientific audiences and stakeholders.
For your research you will have access to specialised analytical laboratories and instrumentation, an extensive archive of marine samples, and opportunities to collect additional marine samples. You will generate unprecedented insights into marine nanoplastic pollution, contribute to seagoing expeditions, and shape new approaches and research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
You will join the Marine Ecosystem Processes Group within NOC’s Marine Science function in Southampton and contribute to our expanding strategic research Mission on Hazards and Pollution. We are a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multinational team spanning early‑career to senior scientists and students. Our shared goal is to understand the complexity of the ocean and its response to major stressors, including climate change and anthropogenic pollution. We deliver this through targeted field campaigns, experimental studies, sustained observations (including autonomous platforms), advanced analytical technologies, and model development.
The position is offered at Band 6 level and provides strong opportunities for career development, including involvement in and leading future research proposals. You will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD students, build a strong research profile, expand your international network, and engage with stakeholders. NOC is committed to supporting this role, which is offered as a permanent appointment.
About you
You will hold a PhD (or equivalent research experience) in chemistry, nanoscience, nanotechnology, or materials science and will have interest to assess the scale, fate and impact of nanoplastic pollution in the marine environment. You will have solid understanding of nanoparticle properties, behaviour, interactions, and transformations; hands‑on experience with laboratory methods for isolating, preserving and characterising nanoparticles and strong proficiency in advanced nanoscale analytical techniques and multimodal data analysis.
Expertise in polymer chemistry, degradation processes, and weathering will strengthen your application, as will an understanding of oceanographic and marine biogeochemical processes. You will have a track record of generating high‑quality scientific insights, evidenced through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations, and the ambition to develop and deliver innovative research programmes.
Success in this role requires enthusiasm for collaborative, multidisciplinary science and a drive to apply your skills to major contemporary research challenges. A willingness to participate in sea-going expeditions of several weeks in duration, and to travel overseas, are essential. Participation in sea-going expeditions will require an ENG1 certificate.
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 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.
Right to work
We expect this role to qualify for a Global Talent Visa, and therefore welcome applications from candidates who require a visa.
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.
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: 13 August 2026.
Closing date: 10 September 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.
