Research / Senior Research Scientist - Marine Sedimentology and Geohazards in Southampton

Location: Southampton

Function: Marine Science

Group: Marine Geoscience

Duration: Open ended

Salary: Band 5: £54,047 - £59,449 / Band 6: £43,703 - £47,941

Closing Date: 10/07/2026

Job Reference: NOC12267

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.

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. Applicants with experience of publishing research outputs in peer‑reviewed journals, with a track record of securing research funding, and who are able to demonstrate how their research has informed or been shaped by engagement with external stakeholders will be considered.

You will contribute to world‑class research, supporting the delivery of active funded projects that span:

• Novel source‑to‑sink direct monitoring of turbidity currents in the NE Atlantic (MISSING‑LINK);
• Land‑ocean characterisation of lahars in the Caribbean (LAHAR2SEA);
• 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, encompassing 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
• 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

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.

Submitting an Application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and 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.

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 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.

Important Dates

Date advert posted: 12 June 2026. Closing date: 10 July 2026.