Research Scientist - Plastic Pollution

National Oceanography Centre; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

30 days annual leave

10% employer contribution pension

Financial support for relocation

Cycle2Work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

A leading oceanographic research institution in Southampton seeks a Research Scientist to study marine microplastic pollution. The role involves designing lab and field studies, analyzing samples, and contributing to publications. Candidates require a PhD in environmental or marine sciences and hands-on experience in microplastic analysis. This permanent position offers career development opportunities and a supportive work environment, including a generous benefits package. Hybrid working is available, allowing for flexibility in work arrangements.

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in laboratory and field studies.
• Track record of publications in marine science.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a dynamic team.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement laboratory and field studies.
• Analyze samples using various techniques.
• Communicate results to scientific audiences and stakeholders.

Skills

Marine plastic pollution

Microplastic sampling

Analytical tools proficiency

Collaborative work

Education

PhD in environmental/marine sciences

Tools

Vibrational spectroscopy

Mass spectrometry

Job description

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

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

Pollution is a global issue impacting marine resilience, ecosystem services, and human health and is one of the key priority research areas at NOC. We seek a highly motivated Research Scientist to complement and extend our existing research interests, capability, and capacity in this field. In this position you will leverage your expertise and experience in designing and implementing laboratory and field studies, performing sample analysis by multiple techniques in our state-of the-art laboratories, data analysis, interpretation and publication, and communication of results to scientific audience and stakeholders. Through ongoing projects at NOC, you will have access to research vessels, sustained ocean observatories, specialised analytical laboratories and equipment, and an extensive archive of marine samples and datasets. You will deliver new insights on marine microplastic pollution through the delivery of ongoing projects, you can participate in seagoing expeditions, and you will develop new approaches and research directions in the microplastics field. You will have opportunity to extend your research into emergent contaminants (e.g. nanoplastics, PFAS) and predictive modelling.

You will join the Marine Ecosystem Processes Group within the Marine Science function at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) in Southampton and contribute to our new expanding strategic research mission focused on Hazards and Pollution. We are a dynamic, multidisciplinary and multinational team of early career, mid-career, senior scientists and students. Our common goal is to understand the complexity of our Ocean and how it responds to ongoing stressors, such as climate change and anthropogenic pollution. We deliver our research through targeted observational and experimental fieldwork, data analysis, sustained observations (including autonomous vehicles), state of the art and cutting-edge analytical technology and model development.

The position is offered at postdoctoral level, but offers opportunities for career development through increased involvement in future research proposals. You will be involved in the supervision of research students (MSc, PhD). Through participation in various projects, you will have the opportunity to create a strong research profile, expand your international network, and engage with stakeholders. NOC is committed to supporting this role and it is a permanent appointment.

About you

You will have a PhD or equivalent experience in environmental/marine sciences, high level scientific, technical and analytical expertise in environmental/marine/plastic pollution. We are searching for exceptional candidates with a strong understanding of marine plastic pollution issues, hands‑on experience in microplastic sampling and analysis, and proficiency with analytical tools (e.g. vibrational spectroscopy, mass spectrometry).

Knowledge of polymer chemistry, degradation processes, and weathering will be an advantage. You should have a track‑record of delivering strong insights through peer‑reviewed publications in the field and have the desire to deliver and develop ambitious programmes of research. An essential characteristic of the successful candidate is enthusiasm for working collaboratively in a multidisciplinary environment and applying their skills to address current research challenges. We welcome applications from candidates outside the UK for this position.

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 (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 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 have 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.

Submitting an application

Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. 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.

Date advert posted: 6 March 2026.

Closing date: 3 April 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.