Senior PDRA in Physical Oceanography

🔒 Confidential Employer
Posted 3 May 2026
LOCATION
Oban
TYPE
Full-time
LEVEL
Mid-Senior level
SALARY
£40,142 / year
CATEGORY
Science & Research
This employer holds a UK Home Office sponsor license — sponsorship for this specific role is at the employer’s discretion

SKILLS

Physical Oceanography Ocean Boundary Dynamics Ship-based Fieldwork Autonomous Observing Platforms Bottom Pressure Recorders Data Analysis (Python/Matlab) Research Cruise Experience Scientific Writing and Publication

FULL DESCRIPTION

Senior PDRA in Physical Oceanography (D33/23.NF)

Location: SAMS, Oban

Contract Type: Fixed term, 3 years

Working Pattern: Full Time (37 hours per week)

Salary Range: £35,686.33 to £40,142.45 per annum

Closing date: 29th November 2023

The Role

Ocean boundary processes dictate how changes in climate-scale ocean circulation impact conditions at the coast. Recent advances in ocean observation, instrumentation and theory have greatly enhanced the potential for understanding these processes. The [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk] (SAMS) is seeking a physical oceanographer to harness new observations and theory for investigating the dynamics at the sloping boundary and its causal interactions with both the deep ocean and the continental shelf. In particular, the postholder will investigate the impacts of large-scale ocean circulation on coastal sea level. The postholder will join our strong multi-disciplinary team working in the subpolar North Atlantic and northwest European continental shelf.

The postholder will deliver an exciting programme of research under projects already funded by UKRI-NERC. They will conduct ship-based fieldwork in the eastern subpolar North Atlantic, utilise autonomous surface and subsurface observing platforms, and spearhead the implementation of novel drift-free bottom pressure recorders for ocean/climate research.

Informal enquires to Dr Neil Fraser, [contact hidden]

Our Ideal Candidate

You will hold a PhD in Physical Oceanography and be experienced in using traditional and/or autonomous observing methods, the data they generate and computing languages to analyse these data. You will have experience of preparing for and participating in oceanographic research cruises and will be able to cope with the demands of working at sea. You will also have a good understanding of ocean boundary dynamics and a publication record which demonstrates this.

You will be able to work independently as well as within a team to solve complex research questions and produce high-quality written and oral communications - your research will contribute to the Research Excellence Framework at the 4*/5* level. You are encouraged to engage with education activities such as postgraduate student supervision, as opportunities arise.

What do we offer in return?

Looking for a change in lifestyle or location? We are based on the beautiful west coast of Scotland – within Argyll & Bute. In addition to your salary, we offer flexible working, a generous remuneration package including pension, holiday allowance, structured career development path, free on-site parking as well as occupational health & wellbeing support. In addition, our employee benefits package includes purchase of additional holidays, technology & smartphones, payroll giving, discounted shopping vouchers and a cycle to work scheme.

Additionally, SAMS encourages and recognises excellence among staff through various recognition and reward arrangements. We constantly develop and expand the benefits and offers for our colleagues.

SAMS offers a generous salary and pension as well as employee benefits package. We also have supportive policies to assist absence, family and other leave types.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through, in the first instance, to Dr Neil Fraser, [contact hidden]

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically to [contact hidden] quoting Job Ref. ‘D33/23.NF’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for application is Wednesday 29th November 2023 - Interviews will be held by mid-December 2023.

Full details can be found here: Senior PDRA in Physical Oceanography - Job Description

About us

The [Employer hidden] (SAMS) has been delivering independent marine science since 1884. Based in Oban, 150 staff are working for healthy and sustainably managed seas and oceans through world-class marine research, education and engagement with society.

Learn more about us…

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