Location
Southampton, National Oceanography Centre (NOC)

Hours
Full time - 37 hours per week

Salary
£43,703 - £47,941 per annum

About the Role
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 in designing and implementing laboratory and field studies, performing sample analysis by multiple techniques in our state-of-the-art laboratories, data analysis, interpretation, publication, and communication of results to scientific audiences and stakeholders. 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 ongoing projects, participate in seagoing expeditions, and develop new approaches and research directions in the microplastics field. There is opportunity to extend research into emergent contaminants such as nanoplastics and PFAS, as well as predictive modelling.

You will join the Marine Ecosystem Processes Group within the Marine Science function at NOC in Southampton and contribute to our expanding strategic research mission focused on Hazards and Pollution. Our dynamic, multidisciplinary and multinational team includes early career, mid-career, senior scientists and students, all working to understand ocean complexity and responses to stressors like climate change and anthropogenic pollution. Research is delivered through targeted observational and experimental fieldwork, data analysis, sustained observations (including autonomous vehicles), cutting-edge analytical technology, and model development.

This postdoctoral level position offers career development opportunities through involvement in future research proposals and supervision of MSc and PhD students. Participation in various projects will enable you to build a strong research profile, expand your international network, and engage with stakeholders. This is a permanent appointment with full support from NOC.

Experience
PhD or equivalent experience in environmental or marine sciences with high-level scientific, technical, and analytical expertise in environmental, marine, or plastic pollution. Proven hands-on experience in microplastic sampling and analysis and proficiency with analytical tools such as vibrational spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. A track record of peer-reviewed publications delivering strong insights in the field is essential.

About you
Exceptional candidates with a strong understanding of marine plastic pollution issues. Knowledge of polymer chemistry, degradation processes, and weathering is advantageous. Enthusiastic about working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and applying skills to address current research challenges. Desire to develop and deliver ambitious research programmes. Applications from candidates outside the UK are welcome.

Qualifications
PhD or equivalent experience in relevant scientific disciplines.