Research Scientist - Plastic Pollution in Southampton

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.

Pollution is a global issue impacting marine resilience, ecosystem services, and human health and is one of the key priority research areas at NOC. We seek a highly motivated Research Scientist to complement and extend our existing research interests, capability, and capacity in this field. In this position you will leverage your expertise and experience in designing and implementing laboratory and field studies, performing sample analysis by multiple techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories, data analysis, interpretation and publication, and communication of results to scientific audience and stakeholders.

Through ongoing projects at NOC, you will have access to research vessels, sustained ocean observatories, specialised analytical laboratories and equipment, and an extensive archive of marine samples and datasets. You will deliver new insights on marine microplastic pollution through the delivery of ongoing projects, participate in seagoing expeditions, and develop new approaches and research directions in the microplastics field. You will have the opportunity to extend your research into emergent contaminants (e.g. nanoplastics, PFAS) and predictive modelling.

You will join the Marine Ecosystem Processes Group within the Marine Science function at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton and contribute to our new expanding strategic research mission focused on Hazards and Pollution. We are a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multinational team of early career, mid-career, senior scientists and students. Our common goal is to understand the complexity of our Ocean and how it responds to ongoing stressors, such as climate change and anthropogenic pollution.

The position is offered at postdoctoral level, but offers opportunities for career development through increased involvement in future research proposals. You will be involved in the supervision of research students (MSc, PhD). Through participation in various projects, you will have the opportunity to create a strong research profile, expand your international network, and engage with stakeholders.

You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in environmental/marine sciences, high level scientific, technical and analytical expertise in environmental/marine/plastic pollution. We are searching for exceptional candidates with a strong understanding of marine plastic pollution issues, hands-on experience in microplastic sampling and analysis, and proficiency with analytical tools (e.g. vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry). Knowledge of polymer chemistry, degradation processes, and weathering will be an advantage. You should have a track-record of delivering strong insights through peer-reviewed publications in the field and have the desire to deliver and develop ambitious programmes of research.

An essential characteristic of the successful candidate is enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and applying their skills to address current research challenges. We welcome applications from candidates outside the UK for this position.

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
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric/hybrid vehicles
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
• a great working environment with a number of social events
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

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.

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 / 07955 851648.

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.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.