Research Associate in Marine Biogeochemistry

About the role

This research associated with this post will be part of a wider team within the new Horizon Europe OceanSOS project . This exciting interdisciplinary project aims to determine the impact of seamounts and the currents they create on stimulating the overlying biological carbon pump (BCP), to then inform marine spatial planning. The knowledge generated will provide a stronger foundation for assessing future ocean risks and developing sustainable management approaches.

By improving understanding of the links between biodiversity, food webs, and carbon cycling, this work will support decision-making aimed at protecting ocean ecosystems and the processes that sustain them. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of an international team of biogeochemists, physical ocean modellers, ecologists and policy makers.

What you would be doing

You will focus on identifying how seafloor topology influences the mesopelagic biological carbon pump, specifically looking at particle type, size and microbial remineralisation across a seamount and abyssal plain. You will be part of a wider team  capturing the contributions of larger organisms, deep-sea communities, and connections between the seafloor and the open ocean in the BCP. Your specific responsibilities will include going to sea in the North Atlantic (Summer 2027) and will use multiple techniques to determine the regional BCP, to then feed into the physical, food-web and statistical models, used by the OceanSOS team.

The post-holder will also facilitate fieldwork south of South Africa (early Summer 2027) and the samples collected from this region. The tools you will use at sea include sediment traps, marine snow catchers and optodes to measure microbial remineralisation.

You will be responsible for organising your component of the fieldwork so it is essential you have fieldwork experience  will also process the samples you collect to then lead and co-author peer-reviewed publications, and will work closely with the wider project team. You will have the opportunity to present findings to the research team as well as at national and/or international conferences.

As this project is part of a large consortium, the you will have the opportunity, and be expected to, collaborate widely within our smaller sub-team, but also with the rest of the consortia including at annual science meetings. There will also be the opportunity to work with international partners.

What we are looking for Experience in fieldwork and sample analysis associated with the biological pump, sediment traps and/or microbial respirationA track record of overseeing successful experiments from design, manipulation and sampling, to data analysis and publishing the results

Knowledge of processes involved in organic carbon cycling in the ocean

Ideally some experience of leading your own work at sea Knowledge of how to analyse organic carbon samples

Enthusiasm for research in ocean carbon science

What we can offer you Being part of a large international network of project partners from across Europe, with many travel opportunities

Inclusion in a vibrant team at Silwood Park Campus working on many aspects of oceanic and freshwater carbon cycling

The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution and be part of our mission to continue science for humanity.

Grow your career:
Gain access to Imperial’s sector-leading dedicated career support for researchers as well as opportunities for promotion and progression

Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 43 days off a year and generous pension schemes).Further information

The post is funded by UKRI through Horizon Europe.

This is a full time, fixed term role until 31 March 2026.Candidates who have not yet been officially awarded their PhD will be appointed as a Research Assistant.

Applicants who may require or prefer part-time or flexible working are encouraged to apply. The post is based at Silwood Park Campus. Hybrid working is possible.

If you require any further details on the role please contact:
Emma Cavan,