Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to conduct marine habitat mapping and contribute to exciting research projects.
- Company: The National Oceanography Centre is the UK's leading institution for ocean research and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, flexible working, and a supportive work environment with social events.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on ocean research while developing your skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: PhD in earth or marine sciences, with expertise in habitat mapping and acoustic data analysis.
- Other info: We support diverse applicants and offer relocation assistance if needed.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Research Scientist – Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover)
Join to apply for the Research Scientist – Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover) role at National Oceanography Centre
Research Scientist – Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover)
Join to apply for the Research Scientist – Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover) role at National Oceanography Centre
National Oceanography Centre provided pay range
This range is provided by National Oceanography Centre. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Base pay range
Direct message the job poster from National Oceanography Centre
Recruitment and Talent Manager at National Oceanography Centre
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton
Fixed Term Appointment (12 months)
Full time (37 hours per week)
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
– 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 / 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.
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.
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Associate
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research
-
Industries
Research Services
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at National Oceanography Centre by 2x
Get notified about new Postdoctoral Researcher jobs in Southampton, England, United Kingdom .
Entry Level Role: STEM Masters/PhD graduates (Remote)
City Of Southampton, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Postdoctoral Researcher – AI for Sustainability
Hursley, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Postdoctoral Researcher – AI for Sustainability
Hursley, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 2 weeks ago
Advanced Research & Development Engineer/Scientist
Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Portsmouth, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Southampton, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist
Southampton, England, United Kingdom £64,545.00-£71,003.00 1 month ago
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Scientist - Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover) employer: National Oceanography Centre
Contact Detail:
National Oceanography Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist - Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects mentioned in the job description, like the NERC-funded AtlantiS project and EMODnet bathymetry. Understanding these projects will allow you to speak knowledgeably about them during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the National Oceanography Centre. Engaging with them on platforms like LinkedIn can provide you with insider insights about the work culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with acoustic mapping systems and GIS tools in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've applied these skills in past projects, as this will show your practical expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight any multidisciplinary research experience you have. The role emphasises collaboration across various fields, so showcasing your ability to communicate and work with diverse teams will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist - Marine Habitat Mapping (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in marine habitat mapping and related fields. Emphasise your PhD or equivalent experience, and include specific projects or research that align with the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for marine research and how your skills match the job requirements. Mention any experience with acoustic mapping systems and your ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Clearly outline your technical skills, such as GIS, statistical analysis, and data processing. Provide examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles or projects.
Showcase Your Research Contributions: If you have published scientific papers, mention them in your application. Highlight your contributions to existing research projects and any experience with stakeholder communication or student supervision.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Oceanography Centre
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to marine habitat mapping or seafloor geophysics. Highlight your contributions, methodologies used, and any publications that resulted from your work.
✨Demonstrate Technical Skills
Familiarise yourself with the specific acoustic mapping systems mentioned in the job description. Be ready to explain your experience with data acquisition, processing, and interpretation, as well as your proficiency in GIS and statistical analysis.
✨Communicate Across Disciplines
Since the role involves collaboration with various stakeholders, practice articulating complex scientific concepts in a way that is accessible to non-experts. This will demonstrate your ability to bridge gaps between research and practical applications.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask about the NOC's current projects, team dynamics, and future research directions. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your career goals.
