AI Research Software Engineer

AI Research Software Engineer – National Oceanography Centre

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This role is part of NOC’s Digital Science function and, working alongside software engineers, scientists, and designers, it will contribute to create the “NOC of the future”. We are seeking a purpose-driven AI expert who wants to advance marine and environmental sciences by developing novel and useful AI research infrastructure and models. Our team is formed by over 30 Research Software Engineers, AI and Data scientists, and UI/UX experts.

We design and develop research capabilities (e.g., pipelines, interfaces, applications), provide training, and establish collaborations to accelerate innovation across NOC and the wider international oceanographic community. Our projects encompass topics such as processing advanced seafloor imaging, frameworks for training AI models, global ocean modelling, interactive visualisation, robotic autonomous systems, and Digital Twins. This role provides excellent opportunities to bring AI leadership to accelerate innovation and purpose‑driven research across the organisation.

The role will be part of NOC’s Software Engineering and AI team and provides opportunities for leading teams and learning a wide variety of skills working across ocean‑related, multi‑disciplinary, and international communities. Please note while we are using the job title ‘AI Research Software Engineer’ for the purposes of advertising, the formal job title at NOC will be ‘Senior Research Scientist in AI and Data Science’.

We are looking for an exceptional candidate with experience of developing AI, data science infrastructure, and AI models in a research environment. Working at a senior level, you will engage widely to embed AI across NOC ocean observations and research value chain, ensuring that the science NOC does has maximum societal impact. You will have a strong track record of working in AI in environmental sciences and experience of collaborative work.

• 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
• a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
• financial support for relocation
• a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
• 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 Cycle2
  
  Work 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

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 using the contact details below.

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

Date advert posted: 17 December 2025.

Closing date: 14 January 2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.

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

We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We…