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.
About the role
Pollution is a global challenge undermining marine resilience, ecosystem services, and human health and is a core research priority at the National Oceanography Centre. We are looking to expand our capability in cutting‑edge plastic‑pollution research and are seeking a talented and motivated Research Scientist to join our team working on nanoplastics in the marine environment.
This role will place you at the forefront of marine nanoplastic pollution research. You will contribute to the development of novel methodologies and apply cutting‑edge analytical techniques to detect and characterise plastic pollutants at previously unattainable scales. You will help to design and deliver laboratory and field studies, build and optimise methodological workflows, conduct multi‑technique sample analyses in our advanced laboratories, and lead data interpretation, publication, and communication of results to scientific audiences and stakeholders.
For your research you will have access to specialised analytical laboratories and instrumentation, an extensive archive of marine samples, and opportunities to collect additional marine samples. You will generate unprecedented insights into marine nanoplastic pollution, contribute to seagoing expeditions, and shape new approaches and research directions in this rapidly evolving field.
You will join the Marine Ecosystem Processes Group within NOC’s Marine Science function in Southampton and contribute to our expanding strategic research Mission on Hazards and Pollution. We are a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and multinational team spanning early‑career to senior scientists and students. Our shared goal is to understand the complexity of the ocean and its response to major stressors, including climate change and anthropogenic pollution. We deliver this through targeted field campaigns, experimental studies, sustained observations (including autonomous platforms), advanced analytical technologies, and model development.
The position is offered at Band 6 level and provides strong opportunities for career development, including involvement in and leading future research proposals. You will have the opportunity to supervise MSc and PhD students, build a strong research profile, expand your international network, and engage with stakeholders. NOC is committed to supporting this role, which is offered as a permanent appointment.
About you
You will hold a PhD (or equivalent research experience) in chemistry, nanoscience, nanotechnology, or materials science and will have interest to assess the scale, fate and impact of nanoplastic pollution in the marine environment. You will have solid understanding of nanoparticle properties, behaviour, interactions, and transformations; hands‑on experience with laboratory methods for isolating, preserving and characterising nanoparticles and strong proficiency in advanced nanoscale analytical techniques and multimodal data analysis.
Expertise in polymer chemistry, degradation processes, and weathering will strengthen your application, as will an understanding of oceanographic and marine biogeochemical processes. You will have a track record of generating high‑quality scientific insights, evidenced through peer‑reviewed publications and presentations, and the ambition to develop and deliver innovative research programmes.
Success in this role requires enthusiasm for collaborative, multidisciplinary science and a drive to apply your skills to major contemporary research challenges. A willingness to participate in sea-going expeditions of several weeks in duration, and to travel overseas, are essential. Participation in sea-going expeditions will require an ENG1 certificate.
Salary: £45,233
Location: Southampton, UK
Application deadline: September 10, 2026
