Chef

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

10% employer pension scheme

Death in Service (3x salary)

Relocation assistance

EV salary sacrifice scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Flexible benefits portal

Cycle2Work scheme

Living Wage Employer

Job summary

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton, seeks a qualified Chef to join our seagoing catering team aboard world-class research vessels. Working with the Head Chef, you will prepare nutritious meals for scientists, mariners and technical staff while supporting marine research globally.

As part of a small team you will maintain high standards of food quality, hygiene and service, accommodate diverse dietary needs, manage stock, loading provisions, and comply with safety and environmental rules;

Qualifications

• Certificate of Competency Ships Cook is essential.
• Food Hygiene qualification is essential.
• STCW Basic Safety Training is essential.

Responsibilities

• Preparing a range of hot and cold dishes, desserts and refreshments.
• Maintaining high standards of food hygiene and safety.
• Supporting stock management, storage, rotation and inventory control.
• Assisting with loading and stowage of provisions and stores.
• Complying with maritime safety, environmental and security requirements.

Skills

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Time management

Proactive and flexible

Food safety knowledge

Education

Certificate of Competency Ships Cook

Food Hygiene qualification

STCW Basic Safety Training

Job description

Location

Southampton

Function

Research Infrastructure

Group

Research Ships Operations

Salary

£37,122

Closing Date

17/11/2026

Job Reference

NOC12370

Documents

• Job Description and Person Specification (PDF, 123.01kb)

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent, Full time

£37,122

Who are we?

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 organisation.

About The Role

We are seeking a qualified Chef to join our seagoing catering team aboard our world-class research vessels. Working closely with the Head Chef, you will play a vital role in providing nutritious, well-balanced meals for scientists, mariners and technical staff while supporting cutting‑edge marine research around the globe.

As part of a small, dedicated team, you will help prepare and serve a varied menu, ensuring high standards of food quality, hygiene and customer service. You will cater for a diverse onboard community, considering a wide range of dietary, medical and cultural requirements.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Preparing a range of hot and cold dishes, desserts, salads and refreshments.
• Maintaining excellent standards of food hygiene and safety.
• Supporting stock management, storage, rotation and inventory control.
• Helping with loading and stowage of provisions and stores.
• Complying with maritime safety, environmental and security requirements.

This role offers the opportunity to travel, work at sea, and contribute to an organisation that supports internationally recognised ocean research.

About You

You are a motivated and adaptable chef who thrives in a team environment and takes pride in delivering high-quality food and service. You are comfortable working in a dynamic seagoing environment and can remain organised and professional while managing competing priorities.

Essential Requirements Include

• Certificate of Competency Ships Cook.
• Food Hygiene qualification.
• STCW Basic Safety Training certification.

You Will Also Demonstrate

• Excellent teamwork and communication skills.
• Strong organisational and time-management abilities.
• A proactive and flexible approach to work.
• Sound knowledge of food safety, health and safety, and environmental practices.

Desirable experience includes working on scientific research vessels and an interest in supporting marine science and environmental research.

Hours Of Work

Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earnt at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.

Why the NOC?

We Offer a Generous Set Of Benefits, Including

• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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
• we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

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 (including pregnancy / maternity leave) 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.

Date advert posted: 20/10/2026

Closing date: 17/11/2026

This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.