Strategic Research Lead Ocean and Climate

Please note that while we have used the job title 'Strategic Research Lead Ocean and Climate' to advertise the vacancy, the official title of the position is 'Climate Mission Network Lead'.

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.

Research to enable society to plan for climate change

We are seeking an exceptional researcher to join NOC in this new, strategic role created to drive the delivery of one of four Missions that will deliver the new NOC Strategy. This is a unique opportunity to direct research that will inform how society plans for, adapts to, and mitigates against environmental change, while working within a world-class research environment. 

We are especially looking for researchers with a very strong background in climate and physical oceanography and/or the impacts of climate on ocean biogeochemistry. 

This is a unique opportunity to direct research that will inform how society plans for, adapts to, and mitigates against environmental change, while working within a world-class research environment. 

About the NOC Mission Networks

The NOC 2025-2035 Strategy is structured around four major Missions, each delivered through a flexible, multidisciplinary and collaborative Network spanning the full breadth of NOC’s expertise:

• Climate – Society can plan for, adapt to & mitigate against environmental change 
• Biodiversity – Marine biodiversity is protected and thrives 
• Hazards and Pollution – People, infrastructure and ecosystems are protected 
• Sustainable Marine Economy – Marine-based economic activity is sustainably developed whilst protecting the ocean’s future health

Mission Networks will bring together the ocean professionals across NOC to collaborate on major research challenges, develop strategic partnerships, and maximise the real-world impact of our work.

About the Role

This vacancy is for one of two Climate Mission Network Leaders. With expertise in global to local environmental changes and impacts, you will provide strategic direction to this multidisciplinary network, shaping and guiding a coordinated programme of research, innovation, and collaboration. You will:

• Jointly oversee the delivery of NOC’s Climate Mission
• Strengthen cross-functional collaboration across NOC’s teams and programmes to enable delivery
• Develop and grow external partnerships—nationally and internationally
• Represent NOC’s climate work to key stakeholders, funders, and partners
• Ensure delivery of a high-impact portfolio of climate-related projects and programmes, including in your own area of research
• Advise NOC’s Executive Team and Board

You will join a small team of Mission Network Leaders who have been appointed to the direct the NOC Missions. You will continue to develop and grow your own internationally significant area of research.

While this position does not include teaching responsibilities, there are opportunities to co-supervise graduate students as part of NOC’s broader research and training environment.

About you

A proven researcher with an international profile and deep expertise in ocean and/or climate science, you can demonstrate your passion for climate science and how your inspiring and collaborative leadership style enables others to deliver excellent research outcomes. You are motivated by the opportunity to shape large-scale scientific missions with real-world impact. 

You will have: 

• International standing in ocean and/or climate research, with a strong research track record 
• Experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary research projects 
• A proven track record of securing and delivering major research funding, including multi-institutional collaborations 
• Strong leadership and strategic vision, with experience influencing science and policy at a national or international level 
• Excellent relationship-building skills with internal teams and external partners 
• A strong portfolio of impactful outputs, including peer-reviewed publications 
• Experience contributing to national or international science strategies 
• Experience of mentoring and developing researchers 

Why NOC?

At the National Oceanography Centre, we’re at the forefront of tackling the world’s biggest ocean and climate challenges. In this role you will be empowered to influence the NOC’s high-impact science and strategic research directions, supported by an ambitious and collaborative research community.

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 a Living Wage Employer

Location

This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.

We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team at [email protected] / 07955 851648.

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.