Marine Biogeochemist

PML; Plymouth (MA); On-site; USD 51,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) seeks a Marine Biogeochemist to join our Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations team in Plymouth. The role blends laboratory work, field sampling and data handling to generate high-quality environmental measurements essential for understanding marine ecosystems.

You will lead nutrient analysis, manage shared lab facilities and contribute to reports, peer-reviewed publications, and funding proposals, with opportunities for research cruises and field campaigns.

Qualifications

• Degree (or equivalent) in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry or a closely related discipline.
• Experience in laboratory and/or field work with analytical instrumentation.
• Experience producing and interpreting high-quality analytical environmental data.
• Ability to plan workload and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication, capable of presenting scientific information clearly.

Responsibilities

• Participate in land-based and sea-going fieldwork campaigns.
• Collect, process and analyse environmental samples (nutrients, chlorophyll-a, carbon/nitrogen parameters).
• Operate, calibrate, deploy and troubleshoot laboratory and field instrumentation.
• Lead nutrient analysis activities and manage shared lab facilities.
• Generate and maintain high-quality traceable datasets; data analysis and interpretation.

Skills

Laboratory work

Fieldwork capability

Data interpretation

Scientific reporting

Work planning

Education

Bachelor's or equivalent in Marine Science/Environmental Science/Chemistry

Tools

Nutrient autoanalyzers

Stable isotope mass spectrometry

Gas chromatography

R / Python for data analysis

Job description

Location

Plymouth

Vacancy Type

Open Ended Appointment

Application Deadline

Friday, October 23, 2026

Salary

£38,213 on appointment, rising in spine increments over 5 years to £47885

Job Eligible for Skilled Worker Visa

Only if the candidate meets Home Office criteria for an applicable salary discount (e.g., holding a relevant STEM PhD, or qualifying as a New Entrant)

Job Summary

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Marine Biogeochemist to join our internationally recognised Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations team.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative marine science through a varied role that combines laboratory analysis, fieldwork, data management and scientific reporting. Working across a diverse portfolio of research projects, you will help generate the high-quality environmental measurements that are essential for understanding marine ecosystems and the processes that shape them.

As part of a collaborative and supportive team, you will provide scientific and technical expertise across a range of marine research activities. You will take a leading role in nutrient analysis and support the management of shared laboratory facilities, using advanced analytical instrumentation in both laboratory and field settings. Your work will contribute to research spanning river catchments, coastal waters and the open ocean.

Fieldwork is a key part of this position, and you will have opportunities to take part in both land-based surveys and sea-going research expeditions, including extended research cruises. Working within PML's accredited quality framework, you will play an important role in delivering robust, traceable datasets that support world-class science and environmental solutions.

Key Deliverables

• Participate in and support the successful delivery of land-based and sea-going fieldwork campaigns.
• Collect, process and analyse environmental samples, including nutrients, particulate carbon and nitrogen, chlorophyll-a, oxygen, and carbon chemistry parameters (TA, DIC, pH, CDOM and DOC).
• Operate, maintain, calibrate, deploy and troubleshoot laboratory and field-based analytical instrumentation.
• Lead nutrient analysis activities and support the effective management of shared laboratory facilities.
• Generate, manage and maintain high-quality, fully traceable scientific datasets.
• Undertake data analysis and contribute to the interpretation and presentation of scientific results.
• Contribute to scientific reports, technical documentation and peer-reviewed publications.
• Support the development of future research opportunities and funding proposals.
• Promote and maintain PML's ISO-accredited standards of quality, health and safety, and environmental responsibility across all activities.

Skills Specification

Essential

• Degree (or equivalent experience) in Marine Science, Environmental Science, Chemistry or a closely related scientific discipline.
• Practical experience of laboratory and/or field-based scientific work, including the operation of analytical instrumentation.
• Experience producing, managing and interpreting high-quality analytical and environmental data, including instrument calibration, data processing and quality control procedures.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workloads effectively, delivering to agreed deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present scientific information clearly to a range of audiences.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to maintaining high standards of quality, health and safety, and environmental responsibility.
• Willingness to undertake fieldwork, including research vessel deployments and periods of travel away from home.

Desirable

• Experience working with nutrient autoanalysers, stable isotope mass spectrometry, gas chromatography or similar analytical systems.
• Knowledge of marine and estuarine biogeochemistry, oceanographic observations or environmental monitoring.
• Experience working within accredited laboratory environments and quality management systems.
• Experience managing laboratory facilities, equipment and consumables.
• Experience of data analysis, visualisation or scientific programming using R, Python or similar tools.
• Experience contributing to scientific publications, technical reports and/or funding proposals.
• Previous experience of marine field campaigns and/or current sea survival certification.

Applicant Information

Interviews for this position will be held on Wednesday 18th November

If you haveany questions about this position pleaseemail [e-mail].

PML is a Disability Confident employer, and we have recently attained the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, where all can succeed based on merit, and will provide any reasonable adjustments required to enable this. To support staff from all backgrounds, we offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and staff engagement forums.