Marine Biologist

UKRI; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research organization seeks a Marine Biologist for an 18-month fixed-term appointment at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica. The role involves conducting ecological surveys, analyzing marine data, and collaborating with a dedicated team. Ideal candidates must have strong SCUBA diving experience and a degree in Marine Biology. Responsibilities include species identification, data analysis, and contributing to high-quality scientific publications. This position offers a unique opportunity to engage in critical research on marine ecosystems in extreme conditions.

Benefits

Unique fieldwork experience

Contribution to high-quality publications

Housing and support during deployment

Qualifications

• Experienced SCUBA diver with at least 100 logged dives, including 30 cold water.
• Knowledge of ecological research and specimen collection methods.
• Ability to work in remote and harsh conditions.

Responsibilities

• Conduct year-round SCUBA surveys and data collection.
• Analyze ecological variables and prepare reports for publication.
• Collaborate with team members on ongoing marine science projects.

Skills

SCUBA diving (CMAS 3* minimum)

Marine Biology identification skills

Data visualisation and statistics

Animal husbandry

Education

Relevant degree in Marine Biology

Tools

GIS software

ROV operation

Job description

Contract type: Antarctic Employment Pool - Fixed-Term Appointment - 18‑month contract

Location: Rothera Research Station

Interview Date: Interviews and assessments in early April 2026.

Project Overview

We are looking for a Marine Biologist to continue investigations into the autecology of shallow water marine assemblages in the Antarctic. This project will focus on how carbon in macroalgae, their standing stock, production, export and associated fauna differs between locations. In particular, we are interested in converting visual surveys of macroalgae (% cover) both within Ryder Bay and through collaborators from Palmer and Carlini stations. In-situ experiments will measure macroalgal productivity and export (fragmentation) and the importance of macroalgae to carbon sequestration in adjacent deeper sediments through stable isotope analysis.

The post involves a minimum of 18 months at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station, Antarctica and is expected to result in a number of high‑quality scientific publications.

Responsibilities

Within the Biodiversity, Evolution and Adaptations team, this project will:

1. Collections and surveys will be used to assess the standing stock of macroalgae in Ryder Bay and their associated fauna.
2. Samples will be collected, sorted and identified (light microscopy). The carbon content of assemblages will be estimated using ovens and furnaces.
3. In‑situ experiments will be assessing the production of macroalgae, including shed blades that export carbon into adjacent deep sediments.
4. Sediment cores will be taken in adjacent deeper sediments to measure macroalgal signals in sediment carbon to assess the importance of macroalgae to sequestration.
5. Data will be compared with that collected by collaborators at Carlini (Dolores Deregibus) and Palmer (Chuck Amsler) stations to gain an Antarctic Peninsula wide understanding of macroalgal blue carbon.

The post holder will work with the marine team to maintain continuing science projects, to record continuous data on ecological variability. These include monthly feeding surveys of benthic invertebrates and deployments of Baited Remote Underwater Video Systems (BRUVS) to monitor mobile fauna.

This position will work with experienced members of the BAS Biodiversity Evolution and Adaptations team to direct the investigations. The position involves year‑round SCUBA diving from small boats and through sea ice, use of a range of laboratory techniques to identify species and gather the ecological information that will feed into long‑term studies of shallow water communities in this region. During the pre‑deployment period and while on station, the post holder will play a role in planning, organisation, and implementation of this research programme whilst also supporting a diverse range of other marine science projects, and station activities, particularly during the summer months. These additional roles could include advanced medical and fire cover, depending on experience and requirements on station. In addition, as a member of a small wintering team (~20 personnel), you will be expected to share station duties (cooking, cleaning, night watch etc). The post involves a minimum of 1.5 years (that can be extended to 2.5 years) at the British Antarctic Survey’s Rothera Research Station with up to 6 months post‑deployment write‑up time in Cambridge to submit publications.

Duties

• Year‑round SCUBA surveys of macroalgal assemblages
• Boat surveys of adjacent deep sediments
• Ecological description of macroalgal associated fauna
• Stereo light‑microscopy and use of keys to identify species
• Good laboratory skills to measure and preserve individuals for taxonomy and measure carbon content
• Animal husbandry and photography skills to add to the library of ID photos
• Analyse data and prepare for publication. Curate data for archiving and long‑term utilisation.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication
• Play an active role in the marine team, supporting a diverse range of projects.
• Be part of an active dive team, operating the recompression chamber, boating, driving the tractor, operating the crane and providing search and recovery cover.

Due to the remote location in the Antarctic strong organisational and interpersonal skills are required for this post.

Skills, Qualifications and Experience

• Experienced SCUBA diver (CMAS 3* minimum)
• Minimum 100 logged dives (30 cold water, dry suit dives)
• Full‑face mask experience is preferred, although in‑post training may be considered
• Marine Biology (use of keys for identification), microscope and laboratory skills
• Data visualisation and statistics
• Self‑management within the requirements of the wider team
• Ability to live and work within a small team which integrates within a larger team
• Enthusiasm to regularly report progress to wider team
• You will need to pass a medical test to work in Antarctic conditions
• HSE SCUBA (part IV) or equivalent
• Advanced European Scientific Diver
• 100 cold water dives (<12°C)
• Use of ROV
• Experience of GIS software
• Underwater photography
• Aquarium husbandry experience
• Peer‑reviewed publication or report writing
• The role holder will be required to have the appropriate level of security screening/vetting required for the role. UKRI reserves the right to run or re‑run security clearance as required during the course of employment.

How to Apply

Online applications only preferred for this role. Please submit a CV and covering letter which clearly outlines how you fulfil the criteria specified along with your motivation for UKRI and the role. Ensure that the job reference number is included in the filename description of each document uploaded. Note that failure to address the above criteria or submit an application without a covering letter may result in the application not being considered. Assessment will only be based upon the content of your submitted covering letter and CV and not the ‘experience’ section of the application.

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Disability Confident Employer

As users of the disability confident scheme, any candidate who opts into the scheme and best meets the essential criteria, will be shortlisted for interview. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

About the Team

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) delivers and enables world‑leading interdisciplinary research in the Polar Regions. Our skilled science and support staff based in Cambridge, Antarctica and the Arctic work together to deliver research that uses the Polar Regions to advance our understanding of Earth as a sustainable planet. Through our extensive logistic capability and know‑how BAS facilitates access for the British and international science community to the UK polar research operation. Numerous national and international collaborations, combined with an excellent infrastructure help sustain a world‑leading position for the UK in Antarctic affairs. British Antarctic Survey is a component of the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). NERC is part of UK Research and Innovation. www.ukri.org