Marine scientist
Marine scientists are involved in research, analysis and forecasts in relation to the oceans, their life forms and coastal areas. They analyse the sea and its interaction with the land, atmosphere and sea floors and use the information gained to predict changes to the earth’s infrastructure, inform statutory legislation and encourage environmental protection.
Marine science is a broad-ranging field that covers subjects as diverse as:
Marine scientists are employed by universities, international organisations, commercial companies, government agencies, not-for-profit organisations and marine research institutes. While all roles require good general expertise and scientific abilities, specialisation in one particular area, such as coastal management, fisheries biology, mathematical modelling of ocean change, ecosytem dynamics or chemical risk assessment, is usually required for progression in the profession.
Work activities may be office, laboratory or field-based, including work on sea-going vessels, and may include:
Relevant degree subjects include:
Joint honours degrees, combining these subjects with other relevant areas of study, such as mathematics, statistics or computing, are also a good preparation.
Entry is possible, though not common, with relevant access and HNC/D qualifications. With qualifications at this level, examples of entry-level positions include seagoing technicians and scientific support roles.
Whilst it is possible to gain work as a marine scientist with a first degree only, a relevant Masters or PhD is a distinct advantage when applying for jobs. A PhD may be a requirement for some posts in management or for lecturing positions. A good class of first degree is often sought, especially if you are hoping to progress fairly quickly onto a funded Doctorate programme. PhD opportunities are available through marine research organisations and universities. In some cases, it is possible to undertake a PhD on a part-time basis whilst working, though this varies between organisations. It is important to identify a supervisor working in the specialist area that interests you.
The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) provides funding for around 1,100 postgraduate students to undertake research and training through a three-year programme leading to a PhD and may also fund a number of candidates to take up one-year studentships to support them whilst they study for an MSc or MRes. NERC encourages applications from people with a fairly wide range of subject backgrounds but only provides funding through specific university departments - contact your chosen institution in order to enquire about NERC studentships. Further details of the programme are available on the NERC website. Early applications are advised.
Securing relevant work or voluntary experience is strongly recommended. You may find some useful suggestions at UK Marine Biology . Specifically, laboratory work and experience of relevant techniques may give applicants a distinct advantage. Involvement in related societies or groups at undergraduate level will also benefit job applications. Maintaining a comprehensive record of voluntary experience or any holiday work undertaken, including field trips and other relevant events and conferences, during your degree course is strongly recommended.
Candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Marine science offers the possibility of making a valuable contribution to real world issues such as climate change, environmental assessments and protection, knowledge and protection of fishing stocks, and coastal protection. The range of jobs is very broad, with opportunities to suit most work or research interests. However, it is a popular field and competition can be fierce. Making relevant contacts and getting your name and specialist interests known will make it more likely that you will find a way into your preferred organisation or field. Attendance at conferences, presenting papers, volunteering as a research assistant to a specialist, and building good background knowledge and experience will all help to raise your profile and secure an entry-level position and employment in the specialist area you have chosen.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Ongoing training in relevant research, technical and practical skills is encouraged and a key part of working as a marine scientist. The diversity of research positions and projects allows marine scientists to build up a broad range of skills, technical experience and subject knowledge. Training opportunities are commonly offered by employers and other organisations. Specialist organisations, such as The Marine Biological Association (MBA) , based in Plymouth, offer advanced courses and workshops in specific areas of marine science, such as plankton taxonomy and optical microscopy.
The nature of research trips to sea requires good, hands-on, practical, analytical and decision-making skills. Training provided by employers may include:
Training opportunities vary between employers and you should try to establish the nature of training provision and opportunities for professional development during the application process.
It may also be necessary to assess your own skills and to volunteer to attend courses or present papers at conferences in order to ensure your ongoing personal and professional development.
Careers in marine science often lack a clearly defined promotional structure and career development is dependent upon a combination of commitment, hard work and establishing appropriate contacts in your chosen field. A willingness to relocate is vital in the early stages of a marine scientist’s career and a series of lateral moves is not uncommon to strengthen experience and establish contacts. As marine scientists work increasingly on a multidisciplinary level with other scientists, a facility for teamwork and collaboration is essential to career progression, as is keeping up to date with research and new techniques.
Entry-level positions can be obtained with a first degree and provide opportunities to work in ocean laboratories and research institutions with a view to undertaking a PhD at the same institution. More senior posts will require a PhD, management experience, considerable experience of successfully obtaining funding and extensive publication within the field.
If you work for a government body, such as the Marine Management Organisation, progress is defined by Civil Service grades e.g. from assistant marine biologist to marine biologist and then to senior biologist, progressing from there to team leader. Promotions are not automatic with length of service and are dependent on a more senior position becoming available.
If following an academic route for your career there are a number of positions you may be able to attain as you progress. The usual starting point is obtaining a Doctorate, after which, research assistant, lecturer, fellow, and professor would be the usual order of promotion. Most marine scientists will have to undertake a number of short to mid-term contracts before becoming eligible to apply for a lecturing position, and success is determined by experience of research, teaching and publications. An international reputation is an important factor if you want to progress within academia and it may take 20 years or more of constant research to be awarded a professorship.
Marine scientists are employed by a variety of organisations, with the most common ones being marine institutes, universities, large governmental departments and well-known multinational companies.
Examples include:
Some employers, especially academic bodies or government agencies, may employ marine scientists specifically to undertake a short or long-term research project, linked to a fixed-term contract.
Opportunities to work overseas are common, either through a permanent or semi-permanent posting abroad or where frequent overseas travel to visit research sites makes up a significant portion of your role.
All of the above are useful sources for job, associateship and fellowship vacancies, in addition to information on higher degrees. Also check the websites of marine and marine-related conservation organisations and government bodies.
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