The National Oceanography Centre, part of the Natural Environment Research Council, is a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean and is one of the top five institutions of its kind in the world (http://noc.ac.uk/).
With sites in Liverpool and Southampton, it is the UK’s leading centre for sea level science, coastal and deep ocean research and technology development. Working closely with its partners and associates it provides capability to meet the needs across the UK marine science community.
A position is available for an experienced researcher with analytical and / or engineering skills in a renowned multidisciplinary group at the National Oceanography Centre in Southampton (NOCS). You will lead the development of sensor technology for measurement of the carbonate system in natural waters (via pH and either pCO2, alkalinity, or DIC) building on our existing in situ lab on chip and optode technology. This sensor technology is deployed at sea, in coastal areas and in Polar Regions. These sensors provide data for use in environmental and climate modelling, in industrial applications such as Carbon Capture and Storage and for improving our understanding of the world’s oceans.
Your role will focus on the optimisation, production and dissemination of working high performance sensors. Our current lab on chip technology uses spectrophotometric measurement of pH and on chip assays to quantify pH and alkalinity whereas our optodes use commercially available indicator materials for pH and pCO2 and new low power interrogation methods that we have developed. You will investigate both techniques for the measurement of DIC and pCO2. You will develop sensors for at least two of these four parameters to a precision equivalent to ± 0.001 pH as required in many applications for example ocean acidification studies. You will work in a research team publishing the research widely and constructing funding proposals.
We seek applicants who can work to a high standard in multidisciplinary research from analytical chemistry, engineering, or related backgrounds. A PhD or equivalent in analytical chemistry, instrumentation engineering, or water chemistry metrology is essential. You will have a portfolio of work, including publications in leading journals demonstrating your ability to deliver solutions to complex measurement problems and to quickly master new techniques.
Informal enquiries only (please do not send CVs) should be directed to Robin Pascal (rwp@noc.ac.uk).
The post is offered on NERC terms and conditions and is available for 3 years with further extension possible. The basic salary is in the range of £26,450 to £37,500 per annum and is dependent on experience.
NERC provides benefits that include a RCUK pension scheme and a generous leave scheme offering up to 30 days leave and a further 10.5 Public/privilege days. Opportunities for further training and development are supported.
