Applied Scientist - Geoscience and Geotechnics

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This position is at the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton. It is a permanent, full-time role (37 hours per week).

Overview

The NOC is the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. We aim to connect science, technology and innovation with the evolving needs of marine industries, government, and NGOs, through collaborative research and commercial partnerships.

About the role

NOC is on an ambitious journey to become the world’s most innovative ocean science research organisation. Our Applied Science team bridges marine business and ocean research to develop commercial products and services. We seek a specialist with knowledge in marine geotechnics, geophysics, or a closely related topic to join our Applied Science team and deliver commercial products and services for industry, government, and NGO clients. This role is based in NOC Innovations (NOCi), the commercial subsidiary of the NOC. The team leverages NOC capabilities to diversify income while aligning with the NOC’s mission and goals.

You will take ownership of this topic within the Applied team, working with Commercial Development Managers to identify external stakeholders and their needs, map these onto NOC capabilities, and design commercial products and services. Responsibilities include identifying new business opportunities, preparing proposals and speculative tenders, and responding to client requests. You will collaborate with clients to understand objectives and deliver evidence-based insights through detailed reports and presentations, with opportunities to present at industry or scientific conferences and publish in peer-reviewed journals. Some UK and overseas travel is expected.

This dynamic role suits someone who can work independently and as part of a team, collaborating with NOC scientists and industry partners.

About you

We’re looking for someone passionate about the ocean who understands the importance of engaging with industry to deliver a better future for the blue planet. You will have experience within marine industries, an understanding of their drivers, and a background in marine geotechnics, geophysics, or a closely related topic. A track record in one of these areas, from a commercial service provider, consultancy, or a research institute, is desirable. Experience with business development, implementing new ideas, and familiarity with the commercial processes in marine industries would be advantageous, as would a strong academic background.

Key qualities include the ability to manage collaborative projects with well-defined deliverables, build relationships with commercial clients and academic stakeholders, environmental awareness, scientific curiosity, commercial acumen, and an established network of relevant contacts. Excellent communication skills, a self-starter attitude, and the ability to manage multiple priorities are essential.

Why NOC?

We offer a generous benefits package, including:

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme for mental, physical, emotional, health and financial support
• Flexible benefits portal with online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
• Cycle2Work scheme
• Social events including summer and Christmas celebrations
• Living Wage Employer

Location

This position is based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and offers ample cycle parking, plus free onsite car parking with over 40 EV charging points. We operate a hybrid working approach, with most positions allowing a mix of home and office work. If you require a more flexible arrangement, please contact the recruitment team.

We can support visa applications where required and may offer financial relocation support where applicable.

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, contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk or 07955 851648. Please review the attached job description and person specification before submitting your application.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Applications are considered on qualifications, skills and experience, regardless of gender, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status or other protected characteristics. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 20 August 2025. Closing date: 17 September 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. We are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.