Marine scientist : Employers and vacancy sources

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:

• marine energy such as oil and gas exploration firms;
• fisheries and aquaculture organisations;
• engineering companies;
• marine environmental surveying consultancies;
• renewable energy companies using sea-based and seabed turbines;
• marine and coastal management;
• marine conservation and environmental consultancy;
• pollution and water control;
• statutory environmental protection agencies;
• environmental and conservation charities;
• fisheries protection;
• government agencies such as the Department of Energy and Climate Change ;
• universities;
• marine research laboratories and agencies.

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.

Sources of vacancies

• Search graduate jobs on this site.
• Nature Jobs    
• New Scientist Jobs   
• Guardian Jobs  
• Marine Science and Technology  
• Earthworks Jobs  
• Jobs.ac.uk   
• Science Jobs  - an American jobs site.
• ENDS Environmental Job Search   
• Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)  
• The Marine Biological Association (MBA)  - membership required to access jobs.
• Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST)  - membership and professional registration available.
• Professional journals/newsletters, such as Marine Scientist 
• University websites and departmental noticeboards.
• Specialist environmental recruitment agencies, such as Allen and York , Eden Recruitment  and Acre  

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.

Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.