Research Associate in Marine Biogeochemistry
Join an international Horizon Europe project investigating the biological carbon pump and seamount ecosystems.
Best for:Best for marine biogeochemists with ocean fieldwork experience and expertise in organic carbon cycling or sediment trap analysis.
Overview
Imperial College London is seeking a Research Associate to join the Department of Life Sciences at the Silwood Park campus as part of the Horizon Europe OceanSOS project. The interdisciplinary research focuses on determining how seamounts and ocean currents stimulate the biological carbon pump to inform marine spatial planning and sustainability. The successful candidate will participate in oceanic fieldwork in the North Atlantic and near South Africa, analyzing sediment traps and microbial remineralization. Applicants are expected to manage experimental designs, analyze organic carbon samples, and collaborate within a large international network of researchers.
What you'll do
- Conduct fieldwork and sample collection during oceanographic research cruises in the North Atlantic and south of South Africa.
- Analyze organic carbon samples, particle types, sizes, and microbial remineralization rates across seamounts and abyssal plains.
- Deploy specialized marine instruments such as sediment traps, marine snow catchers, and optodes.
- Contribute empirical regional data to physical, food-web, and statistical models utilized by the OceanSOS consortium.
- Oversee successful experimental workflows ranging from initial design and sample collection to data analysis and publication.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in Marine Biogeochemistry, Oceanography, Biological Sciences, or a closely related field (candidates near completion may be appointed as Research Assistant).
Language: English; professional proficiency.
Instruction: English
Publications: A demonstrated track record of publishing research results in peer-reviewed scientific venues.
- Demonstrated experience in oceanographic fieldwork and sample analysis related to the biological carbon pump or sediment traps.
- Track record of managing experiments from design and sampling through to data analysis and academic publishing.
- Solid knowledge of marine organic carbon cycling processes and microbial respiration.
- Competence in analyzing organic carbon and related biogeochemical samples.
- Candidates must hold a PhD or be very close to completion (those without an official PhD award will be appointed as a Research Assistant).
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-11-30
Interested applicants must submit their application through the official Imperial College London recruitment portal using the provided external link. Part-time or flexible working requests can be indicated during the application process. For further details or inquiries, contact Emma Cavan directly via email.
- CV
Contact
Emma Cavan
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