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.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organization.
About the role
You will be joining a dynamics and diverse research team investigating particle and plankton dynamics across the ocean.
Your will undertake research on automated plankton and particle sampling, quantification and identification. Part of this role is preparing and going to sea to deploy a range of in situ camera systems, plankton nets and water sampling systems, such as the Marine Snow Catcher. In the lab, you will analyze samples using FlowCam, microscopy and other relevant systems. You will develop workflows for data quality control, image processing and analyses, working in close collaboration with engineers, researchers and data centers. You will work further with computer vision experts to evaluate machine-learning algorithms for near-real-time plankton monitoring.
You will be a key member of versatile projects that go from engineering (including camera system calibration and deployment) to biogeochemistry (including lab work) via image analysis (machine learning, artificial intelligence) to mathematically describing the pelagic ecosystem.
About you
You are looking forward to joining a dynamic team and producing cutting-edge high-quality scientific outputs. You are independent, curious, creative and like versatile work. You like solving problems and taking the initiative in challenging situations.
You have a sound understanding of the pelagic ecosystem. You have experience in mesozooplankton identification and particle imaging using both traditional (e.g. nets) and state-of-the-art methods. You strive to produce high-quality datasets by understanding the complete data flow, from sample acquisition to final ecological analysis. You know and enjoy using programming languages (e.g., R, Python), and you have experience working with large volumes of data. You are comfortable with a job that includes sea-going work, laboratory work and computer work.
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
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The center is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
The NOC has 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.
We can support visa applications where required. We may be able to offer financial support for applicants who will need to relocate for this position.
Salary: £40, 444
Closing date: May 17, 2024.
