Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The National Oceanography Centre is seeking a Principal Research Engineer or Scientist in Southampton to develop cutting-edge technology for ocean research. The role involves leading significant research projects, securing funding, and contributing to ocean-related technological advancements. An extensive background in post-PhD research and environmental sensing technology is required, along with an interdisciplinary approach to marine challenges.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus holidays

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle2Work scheme

Social events including summer and Christmas celebrations

Living Wage Employer

Qualifications

• Post-PhD research experience with leadership in significant projects.
• Proven track record in securing research funding nationally/internationally.
• Experience in developing technologies for environmental sensing.

Responsibilities

• Lead technology development and manage research projects and staff.
• Identify key directions for marine technology research and funding bids.
• Integrate novel technologies into ocean research applications.

Skills

Research Funding

Technology Development

Interdisciplinary Approach

Environmental Sensing Applications

Education

PhD in relevant field

Job description

Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist

Only for registered members

Southampton

GBP 45,000 - 65,000

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Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist

Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist

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National Oceanography Centre provided pay range

This range is provided by National Oceanography Centre. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Direct message the job poster from National Oceanography Centre

Internal Recruiter and Talent Business Partner

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours)

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 looking for a Principal Research Engineer or Scientist to join NOC’s Ocean Technology & Engineering (OTE) team. The team develops novel, custom-designed technology to enable cutting edge scientific research in the oceans. Presently, our major application areas are the development of autonomous chemical sensors for in situ biogeochemical analysis, automated biological sampling and analysis, and a range of novel engineered tools for coastal and deep-sea work. We integrate our equipment into a wide range of platforms and deploy them internationally, approaching major ocean science challenges through first demonstrations of these technologies.

The successful applicant will be an accomplished researcher and leader of significant projects which will further the overarching research aims of OTE and NOC. Responsibilities include identifying important directions for marine technology research, leading bids for research funding, directing technology development, and managing research projects and staff.

This position does not have any teaching responsibilities but as a research institute our staff are able to co-supervise graduate students.

About you

You will have international standing in technological research with a strong track record of post-PhD research experience. You will have a track record of successfully leading bids for research funding at the national or international scale, including for multi-institutional projects. Your experience leading and developing research projects will be reflected in an extensive track record of impactful outputs including peer-reviewed papers.

Direct experience creating and successfully deploying new technology for environmental sensing applications, ideally in marine settings, is critical. We are seeking someone whose technical expertise will complement the existing experience of the group. You will have a thorough understanding of your subject specialism, coupled with an interdisciplinary approach and understanding of good engineering practice. You will have enabled the development of new technologies in the past, giving you a strong reputation for innovative research and intellectual leadership.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous set of benefits, including:

- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays

- 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

- we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

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.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and a cover letter outlining how your previous experience qualifies you for the role, along with a brief description of the research direction(s) you intend to pursue if successful in attaining this role.

If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [e-mail] / 07955 851648.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

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. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 8 May 2025.

Closing date: 5 July 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

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

Seniority level

Seniority level

Mid-Senior level

• Seniority level

  Mid-Senior level

Employment type

Employment type

Full-time

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

Job function

Research

• Job function

  Research

• Industries

  Research Services

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