Principal Research Engineer / Principal Research Scientist

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton 

Permanent 

Full time (37 hours) 

£64, 545 - £71, 003

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’sOcean 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

- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme

- 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 aLiving 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 atcareers@/ . 

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.