Head of Ocean Modelling Group

National Oceanography Centre, Southampton

Permanent

Full time (37 hours per week)

We are happy to consider candidates for this position at band 3 or band 4, depending on experience:

Band 3: £83, 672

Band 4: £67, 063

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.

About the role

As Head of the Ocean Modelling Group, you will combine leadership with your own work as a research scientist. You will lead a team of ca. 15 scientists, providing support and scientific direction and building strong collaborations across national and international programmes. You will work with other senior colleagues to develop the strategic direction of NOC’s ocean modelling research, ensuring that it responds to the needs of society and adapts to a rapidly-changing technological landscape.

Your research will be recognised internationally for its significant contributions to ocean, climate or earth system modelling from a physical or biogeochemical standpoint. You will have a strong track record of attracting funding, leading projects and producing high-impact outputs.

NOC’s ocean modelling work operates in close partnership with a range of external collaborators, including the UK Met Office and the NEMO consortium. You will build on and expand these links and ensure that NOC continues to make leading contributions to the global ocean modelling community.

Key Responsibilities:

- Oversee a portfolio of projects and collaborations and drive the future strategic direction of the group’s research

- Develop, mentor, and inspire a team of researchers with a wide range of skills

- Secure funding for a portfolio of model-focused research projects and lead the science delivery of these.

- Contribute to strategic planning within NOC

- Develop and lead relationships with our strategic partners and stakeholders

- Ensure that NOC’s ocean modelling work is highly influential, internationally recognised and societally relevant

About you

We’re looking for someone who can bring the following to the position:

- A PhD in oceanography, climate science, or a closely related field

- Significant experience with developing or analysing ocean models

- A track record of internationally-recognised peer-reviewed publications

- A track record of securing research funding.

- Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, ideally within a research setting.

- A collaborative mindset and a passion for translating complex science into real-world impact

For an exceptional candidate this post is available at the Research Leader (Band 3) level. At this level we would expect you to be a highly influential leader within the international research community and have a substantial track record of competitively securing and delivering multi-institutional projects.

Why NOC?

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 will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.

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 using the contact details below.

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.

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, please contact the NOC recruitment team at [email protected] / 07955 851648.

Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.

Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.

There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability. NOC is an Investors in People organisation.

Date advert posted: 11 July 2025.

Closing date: 8 August 2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.