Upcoming research opportunities

Research Scientist - Biological Carbon Pump

Fixed Term Appointment (9 months)

Full time (37 hours per week)

£42, 062

Go to the NOC Careers page for full details of this opportunity and how to apply

You will be joining a dynamic and diverse research team investigating the processes that regulate calcium carbonate (CaCO3) cycling in the ocean as part of the CHALKY project (part of UK’s Bio-Carbon programme). This project addresses critical questions about how coccolithophores—key marine calcifiers—contribute to carbon export and the ocean’s carbon sink, exploring the interplay of grazing, viral mortality, and carbonate dissolution in surface waters.

As part of the CHALKY team, you will analyse data collected during a recent research expedition to the Irminger Basin, which included Marine Snow Catcher deployments and high-resolution imaging of large sinking particles (e.g., aggregates and faecal pellets). You will work on the quantification and characterization of CaCO3 sinking fluxes and their variability, using advanced tools such as optical profiling rigs, image analysis techniques, and particle composition workflows.

Your work will focus on ensuring data quality, interpreting findings in collaboration with marine biogeochemists and ecologists, and publishing peer-reviewed research that contributes to understanding the CaCO3 cycle, the biological carbon pump, and its implications for air-sea CO2 exchange. You will be a key member of a large multidisciplinary programme.

About you: You are passionate about uncovering the dynamics of the ocean’s carbon cycle and excited to join a team tackling complex questions about biogeochemistry, ecology, and climate processes. You are independent, creative, and eager to develop new skills while producing high-quality scientific outputs.

You have a strong understanding of oceanic carbon cycling and particle flux dynamics, with experience in the collection and analysis of sinking particles, such as aggregates and faecal pellets. You are proficient in data analysis using tools like R or Python and enjoy working with large datasets. Experience with imaging techniques and optical profiling systems will be advantageous.

You are comfortable engaging in interdisciplinary collaborations and are motivated to contribute to a project that spans fieldwork, laboratory analyses, and computational data analyses. Experience with sea-going research campaigns and an interest in contributing to international collaborations will be advantageous.

Application deadline: 10th February 2025