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
We are seeking an outstanding quantitative ecologist to address important scientific questions on global change and societal impact related to seafloor ecosystems.
No previous experience in modelling is required, training will be provided.
The role will be to address these questions using the world-leading benthic ecosystem model (BORIS—Benthic Organisms Resolved In Size). At the global scale the model will be used to predict potential changes in benthic ecosystems globally under climate change scenarios. At smaller scales it will be used to provide critical information on local ecosystem recovery from human impacts such as deep-sea mining and marine carbon dioxide removal.
Key Responsibilities:
- Use the BORIS model to answer the question of how benthic ecosystems may respond to climate change, globally, aiming to contribute to future IPCC reports and ocean assessments.
- Apply the BORIS model to quantify the impact to and recovery from human impacts such as deep-sea mining and carbon dioxide removal schemes involving biomass dumping.
- Assist in seeking securing funding opportunities to support the development of BORIS and associated research projects.
- Explore how BORIS can complement the NOC global ocean biogeochemical model, MEDUSA.
- Publish research findings in high-impact scientific journals and communicate results to stakeholders, policymakers, and the general public through presentations, reports, and other outreach activities.
About you
You will have:
- Ph.D. or equivalent in Oceanography, Biogeochemistry, Ecology, or related fields
- Expertise in quantitative methods (e.g., statistics, machine learning, modelling)
- The ability to design quantitative approaches to explore scientific questions
- Excellent written and oral communication skills in English
- Proven track record of presenting research findings to a wide range of audiences, especially in peer-reviewed literature.
- Knowledge of benthic ecology, ideally in open ocean environments
- Understanding of pressures on benthic ecosystems
- Understanding of broader societal challenges associated with human impacts on benthic ecosystems
Why the 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.
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. For overseas applicants who are willing to move to the UK we may be able to offer financial support with relocation.
Salary: £40,444
Closing date: June 4, 2024
