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Marine scientist : Salary and conditions

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  1. Job description
  2. Salary and conditions
  3. Entry requirements
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Case studies

  • Entry-level positions for diplomates/degree holders offer salaries in the region of £19,500 - £24,000, though salaries can vary considerably depending on the role, type of organisation and sector.
  • Range of typical starting salaries for PhD holders is £26,000 - £34,000, though reaching the higher end of the scale is dependent on experience.
  • Typical salaries at senior level (heads of department or leaders of large projects): £50,000 plus.
  • Working hours may be very long. On field trips, which may vary in length from a few days to a number of months, it is possible to be in attendance 24 hours a day. Even on land, the nature of experiments may demand long hours in the laboratory.
  • Everyday working environments tend to be well organised and professional but conditions on seagoing trips may be arduous and cramped, depending on the vessels used.
  • Experienced marine scientists may go on to work on a self-employed consultancy basis and part-time work is frequently possible.
  • As projects are often grant-funded, work opportunities are frequently short term (12-24 months) and individuals are often responsible for sourcing further funding to continue their projects.
  • The brevity of the contracts may lead to frequent changes of geographical location, either to gain experience or to follow funding.
  • Increased legislation and societal concern for the environment may lead to increasing demand for marine scientists.
  • Many jobs are based in academic or marine institutes close to the coast.
  • Field trips may be physically demanding, particularly when at sea in difficult weather conditions.
  • Patience, tolerance and high levels of adaptability are required to endure long periods at sea in confined quarters.
  • Commitment to health and safety is paramount on ocean-going vessels and when building and handling heavy equipment.
  • Travel within the working day and overnight absence from home is common. The amount of overseas work or travel involved will depend on the nature and requirements of individual posts.
 
AGCAS
Written by AGCAS editors
Date: 
July 2011
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