Oceanographer
Oceanographers use science and mathematics to study and explain the complex interactions between seawater, fresh water, polar ice caps, the atmosphere and the biosphere. They are involved in areas such as mineral exploitation, shipping, fisheries, coastal construction, pollution, weather prediction, climate change and renewable energy.
Oceanographers may specialise and become:
Oceanographers use a wide range of data sources including buoys, robotic vehicles, satellites, acoustic and pneumatic sensors and probes into the seabed.
Oceanographers work in offices and laboratories in academia, industry and government, often in multidisciplinary teams. Typical work activities depend on the type of job, employer and level of training and experience and may include:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
There are degree courses in oceanography, ocean science and marine science, often combined with other earth sciences or computing. However, many oceanographers take a first degree in other subjects. The following subjects may improve your chances of success in this field:
These degrees give a good grounding in the chosen scientific area with many providing the basis for later specialism.
Since oceanography is primarily a research-orientated career, it usually requires more than a good first degree. Most oceanographers have at least a Masters and many have a PhD. It is at postgraduate level that most oceanographers specialise and develop their research interests.
Most MSc courses will assume a level of science and maths at undergraduate level, or possibly A-level. Those without this are likely to find a Masters course very intensive.
There is a range of postgraduate courses covering physical, chemical and biological oceanography as well as areas such as computing, mathematical modelling and remote sensing
Entry with an HND or foundation degree is possible, although support and technical roles are rare. Later study at a higher level may be expected and encouraged.
Entry is rarely possible without a degree or HND in a science subject.
Related experience, either paid or unpaid, is an advantage. This can be through a sandwich year, overseas study, undergraduate collaborative projects or employment. Any contacts in marine centres or laboratories will be useful.
Candidates should provide evidence of the following:
Competition for initial posts is intense. The bulk of jobs are in the mid-range at postdoctoral and higher scientific officer level.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
Individual development is likely to come from working with other oceanographers, including those from other specialist areas, as well as with scientists from other disciplines such as physicists, environmentalists and engineers. Employers will usually provide initial training relevant to the post in areas such as report writing, writing and presenting papers and presentation skills.
If you choose an academic career, you may be expected to undertake original research, secondments, collaborative work, self-managed learning and professional seminars. You may be encouraged to study for a PhD if you do not already have one. There may be opportunities to study abroad.
There are several research organisations (some of which have particular specialisms) which may provide training, including:
These institutions may offer scientific seminars and open lectures on oceanographic areas of interest and other related subjects.
There are several professional organisations which provide an opportunity for development and networking such as the Society for Underwater Technology (SUT) and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (ImarEST) as well as the biennial Oceanology International (OI) conference.
You may also be able to undertake short study periods at an overseas marine institute or work on short projects at sea. However, you are likely to have to fund this yourself - either at your own expense or by securing a grant.
Career development for oceanographers is largely self-directed and frequently involves moving to other jobs around the UK and abroad to progress. Many oceanographers move into leading a team and taking more responsibility for contract and project management. Seniority depends on the publication of research papers and having a wide range of experience.
If working in academia, you may combine departmental responsibilities with your own research. In a small profession such as this, it is important that you network and build a reputation. It is also important to be quick at acquiring new skills and assimilating new knowledge. It may also be necessary to become involved in fields other than your own specialism. This is particularly important in view of the fixed-term nature of many contracts and projects. It is also key to be able to adjust to changes of emphasis in scientific focus and funding.
For those in private industry and consultancy, career prospects are often dependent on wider economic and political factors in the energy sector - particularly oil.
Further studies at Masters or Doctorate level are often vital for career progression, depending on the sector. Within government organisations, it is vital to get involved with decision-making committees and internal working groups in order to progress.
The two main government funding bodies for oceanographers in the UK are the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) . Their component bodies include:
Government funding for research may continue as environmental issues grow in significance, both in Europe and worldwide.
Other major employers include a small number of university research departments, including the University of Southampton , the School of Ocean Sciences, Bangor University and the University of East Anglia .
Some oceanographers are employed by government departments and agencies such as the Met Office , the Environment Agency (EA) and Marine Scotland . Others are employed by non-governmental organisations (NGOs) such as the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) , environmental organisations such as the Natural England and in industries concerned with inshore and offshore work such as oil, gas, water and marine instrumentation. The Royal Navy has a small Hydrographic, Meteorology and Oceanography section.
There are also opportunities to work abroad in countries across Europe and further afield including Saudi Arabia, China and America.
You may see vacancies advertised on notice boards at conferences or come across vacancies by networking.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
Tweet