At a Glance
- Tasks: Contribute to major ocean research programmes and analyse high-quality datasets.
- Company: Join the National Oceanography Centre, a leader in ocean research.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days leave, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with social events and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate science while exploring the ocean.
- Qualifications: Experience in oceanographic data collection and teamwork skills required.
The predicted salary is between 43703 - 47941 £ per year.
Location: Southampton
Salary: £43,703 - £47,941
Closing Date: 29 June 2026
Position: Physical Oceanography Research Scientist
Employment type: Permanent, Full time (37 hours per week)
About the Organization
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground‑breaking research, collaboration, and innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
About The Role
You will contribute to the delivery of major observational programmes, including RAPID AMOC measurements at 26°N, Argo, and GO‑SHIP hydrographic surveys. The role is for a scientist who contributes to the collection and analysis of high‑quality, long‑term datasets that underpin climate science and environmental policy. You will also be responsible for undertaking scientific research, presenting and publishing results with a focus on observational analysis.
About You
You are a motivated and practically minded physical oceanographer with a strong interest in ocean circulation and sustained observing systems. You enjoy working at sea and are confident operating in a variety of environments, bringing a proactive and solution‑focused approach to fieldwork. You have experience in collecting and handling oceanographic data, and a solid understanding of the principles underpinning physical ocean measurements. You work well as part of a multidisciplinary team, communicating effectively with scientists, engineers and technicians to deliver data sets and contribute to journal publications. You are organised, adaptable, and able to balance operational responsibilities at sea with post‑cruise data processing and analysis. A willingness to spend extended periods offshore (up to two expeditions a year) is essential, along with a commitment to maintaining high standards of data quality, safety and scientific integrity.
Benefits
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- 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
- 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
- Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- A great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
- Living Wage Employer status
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.
Working Arrangements
We have a hybrid working approach where staff can work from home up to two days per week. If you require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team.
Application Information
Please submit an up‑to‑date CV and a cover letter highlighting your relevant experience and why you are interested in the position. Applications without a cover letter may not be considered.
Equal Opportunities
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.
Research Scientist - Physical Oceanography in Southampton employer: National Oceanography Centre
The National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Southampton where cutting-edge research meets a commitment to employee well-being. With generous benefits including 30 days of annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth, NOC fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate physical oceanographers to thrive and contribute to vital climate science.
Contact Details:
National Oceanography Centre Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist - Physical Oceanography in Southampton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow oceanographers, attend conferences, and join relevant online forums. The more connections we make, the better our chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your research projects, data analysis, and any publications. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what we can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common questions in physical oceanography. We should also be ready to discuss our fieldwork experiences and how we handle challenges at sea. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team at the National Oceanography Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist - Physical Oceanography in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in physical oceanography and why you're excited about this role at NOC. We want to see your passion for ocean research come through!
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send the same CV for every application. Tailor it to showcase your skills and experiences that align with the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of your work with oceanographic data and fieldwork.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:Since this role involves working with a multidisciplinary team, make sure to mention your collaborative experiences. We love seeing how you’ve communicated effectively with scientists, engineers, and technicians in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at NOC!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Oceanography Centre
✨Know Your Oceanography
Brush up on the latest research and methodologies in physical oceanography. Be prepared to discuss specific observational programmes like RAPID AMOC and Argo, as well as your experience with oceanographic data collection and analysis.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated with scientists, engineers, and technicians in past projects, especially during fieldwork or data processing.
✨Demonstrate Your Adaptability
Be ready to talk about your experiences working in various environments, particularly at sea. Discuss how you manage operational responsibilities while ensuring high standards of data quality and safety.
✨Prepare Your Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask about the role and the organisation. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand how you can contribute to their mission of advancing ocean research.
