Postdoctoral Research Associate (Convex Seascape Survey)

University of Exeter; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A premier research university in the UK is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to investigate the impacts of offshore industry on carbon storage in seabeds. This role involves data collation and mapping, analysis, and publication of findings collaboratively with leading researchers. Candidates should hold a PhD in a relevant field and possess strong analytical skills. Opportunities for travel and professional development are available.

Benefits

Health insurance

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• PhD in Environmental Science, Marine Biology, or a related discipline.
• Experience in data collation and analysis.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Collate and map data on seabed impacts of offshore industries.
• Analyse disturbances on carbon stored within sediments.
• Collaborate with project members to publish findings.

Skills

Data analysis

Research collaboration

Communication skills

Education

PhD in a relevant field

Tools

GIS software

Statistical analysis tools

Job description

Overview

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy

This new full-time (1.0FTE) post is available from 5 January 2026 until 31 March 2027, on a fixed term basis. We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The Faculty wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Convex Seascape Survey, a five-year, multi-partner, international collaborative investigation of blue carbon on continental shelves https://convexseascapesurvey.com.

The main role of the job is, in collaboration with other project members, to collate and map data on the seabed disturbing impacts of offshore industry and analyse them to estimate the effects of this disturbance on organic carbon stored within seabed sediments. This information is critical to identifying carbon stores at risk whose disturbance may contribute to underwater carbon emissions that potentially accelerate climate change.

The successful applicant will work closely with Prof Callum Roberts as well as other project researchers on the task of mapping the footprint of offshore industry on continental shelves of the world ocean.

Your specific focus will be on oil & gas exploitation and windfarms, with the aim being to build first order estimates of how much seabed organic carbon is mobilised by their activities. Your work will lead to several publications documenting risks to ocean carbon storage from human activities and how to reduce these risks through management. There will be opportunities to travel nationally and internationally to gather information, present on the findings and gain skills to further your career.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career

• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Cornwall.

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.

Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world's most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).

We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research - Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City.

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

Before submitting an application you may wish to discuss the post further by contacting Professor Callum Roberts, [e-mail]