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- Tasks: Conduct fieldwork in polar regions and analyse oceanographic data to advance climate research.
- Company: Join a leading research organisation dedicated to understanding our planet's oceans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for fieldwork, and contributions to impactful scientific research.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for career development and outreach.
- Why this job: Make a difference in climate science while exploring the stunning polar environments.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience with oceanographic instrumentation required.
The predicted salary is between 52907 - 58198 £ per year.
Location – Cambridge, with fieldwork to polar regions as required.
Salary – Band E S2 – £52,907 – £58,198
Closing date – 07 June 2026
Interview date – 22/23 June 2026
Background/Overview
We are seeking an observational physical oceanographer, with a strong interest in and experience of the design, procurement, deployment, data processing and scientific exploitation of oceanographic instrumentation. In addition to undertaking fieldwork as required in Antarctica and Greenland, the oceanographer will analyse these data and write research papers in high‑profile journals, contributing to our understanding of high‑latitude ocean circulation and its links with climate variability and change.
Duties
- Prepare for and undertake field campaigns to support numerous Polar Oceans projects.
- Lead elements of ship‑based field campaigns in projects including collection of data such as CTD, ADCP, underway temperature‑salinity and meteorological variables.
- Support the operation, piloting and future development of BAS’s autonomous underwater vehicle fleet.
- Write, publish and communicate scientific findings resulting from observations and associated research.
- Support the development and writing of future research proposals.
- Lead and/or support the supervision of Masters/PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
- Work collaboratively with other observationalists and modellers within the Polar Oceans team.
Skills, Qualifications and Experience
- PhD or equivalent in numerical science, such as Mathematics, Physics, Oceanography, Earth Science, Meteorology.
- Postdoctoral experience in observational physical oceanography.
- Field experience of deploying, quality controlling and analysing a variety of physical oceanographic instrumentation and associated data.
- Strong numerical ability and extensive experience with computer programming for the collection, quality control and analysis of oceanographic data.
- Previous experience managing teams of people undertaking fieldwork at sea.
- Proficient in written and spoken English.
- Experience in writing, reviewing and publishing oceanographic research papers.
- Ability to manage project workflow and balance time/resources between project work.
- Able to work as part of a team, flexible and adaptable.
- Demonstrated ability to contribute to or lead the development and submission of research proposals.
- Previous experience designing, deploying and recovering moorings and piloting autonomous underwater vehicles.
- Interest in communicating BAS science more widely including through outreach and stakeholder events.
- Understanding how BAS science fits into a wider perspective.
- Previous experience in scientific physical oceanography and/or ocean biogeochemistry.
You will need to pass a medical to demonstrate that you are medically fit to work in Antarctic conditions. The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion: At UKRI, we believe that everyone has a right to be treated with dignity and respect, and to be provided with equal opportunities to thrive and succeed in an environment that enables them to do so.
Observational Oceanographer in Peterborough employer: UKRI
Contact Detail:
UKRI Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Observational Oceanographer in Peterborough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow oceanographers, attend conferences, and join online forums. The more connections we make, the better our chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your fieldwork experiences, data analysis, and any publications. This will help us stand out during interviews and demonstrate our expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine our responses. This will boost our confidence and help us articulate our passion for observational oceanography.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets noticed. Plus, we can tailor our application to highlight how our skills align with the role's requirements.
We think you need these skills to ace Observational Oceanographer in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing your oceanographic expertise!
Show Off Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for observational oceanography shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about the field and can convey their interest in polar research and climate change.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and experiences without wading through unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKRI
✨Know Your Oceanography
Brush up on your knowledge of physical oceanography and the specific instrumentation mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss your experience with deploying and analysing oceanographic data, as well as any relevant fieldwork you've done in polar regions.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to talk about your previous research projects, especially those involving high-latitude ocean circulation. Highlight your experience in writing and publishing scientific papers, and be ready to discuss how your findings contribute to climate variability and change.
✨Team Player Vibes
This role involves collaboration with other researchers and students, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully worked in teams. Discuss any leadership roles you've had, especially in managing fieldwork or supervising students, to show you can lead and support others.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since communication is key in this role, practice explaining complex oceanographic concepts in simple terms. Be ready to discuss how you would promote BAS science to various audiences, including policymakers and the general public, showcasing your outreach skills.