Marine scientist job profile

Marine scientists are involved in research, analysis and forecasts in relation to the oceans, their life forms and coastal areas

As a marine scientist you'll analyse the sea and its interaction with the land, atmosphere, sea floors, animal life and plants, and use the information gained to predict changes to the earth's infrastructure, inform statutory legislation and encourage environmental protection.

Types of marine scientist

Marine science is a broad-ranging field, and you can work in diverse areas, such as:

biogeochemistry and ecosystems dynamics
coastal processes
geology and geophysics
hydrographic surveying
marine biology
marine conservation/environmental protection
oceanography, ocean modelling and forecasting, and ocean engineering
palaeoceanography
zoology.

While all roles require good general expertise and scientific abilities, specialising in an area such as coastal management, fisheries biology, mathematical modelling of ocean change, ecosystem dynamics or chemical risk assessment is usually required for career progression.

Responsibilities

Depending on your area of expertise, you'll typically need to:

collect samples and data using processes such as coring techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), visual recording and sampling
work with computer databases and specialist software to analyse information, for example to carry out population assessments of particular species or evaluate ongoing damage to coral reefs in a narrowly defined area
prepare detailed reports, such as environmental impact assessments, for agencies, commercial organisations, governmental bodies such as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or oil companies drilling on the seabed
design scientific experiments, collate findings and design and build the appropriate equipment
develop new research theories and test hypotheses
conduct sea-based sampling and experimentation, involving periods on sea-going vessels
cost, plan and write grant proposals, as well as identify new sources of funding
manage research budgets
prepare research papers for journals and other specialist publications and present research findings at conferences
keep up to date with new research and technologies and attend training courses
advise on matters such as climate change, sea-based energy technologies and environmental impacts
liaise with colleagues across the field including fellow research staff, technicians, ships' crews and research assistants
if based in an academic institution, lecture on specialist subjects and supervise Masters and PhD students
conduct educational and awareness-raising work by presenting talks to government ministers, the public, fellow academics and commercial employers.

Salary

Salaries for entry-level positions are in the region of £19,500 to £24,000.
The average salary of a more experienced marine scientist is approximately £35,000. With very senior marine scientists having the potential to earn up to around £60,000.
Salaries for marine scientists working in higher education typically follow a nationally agreed pay spine. Lecturers typically earn around £35,000 to £50,000, with the possibility of rising to £60,000 at senior lecturer level. For details, see the University and College Union (UCU) - Pay.

Salaries vary depending on a range of factors, including your area of specialism, experience and type of employer. For example, you're likely to earn more if you work in areas such as energy or shipping than if you work in the public sector.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours vary and can be long, especially if you're on a field trip. Trips vary in length from a few days to several months, and it's possible to be in attendance for a full, 24-hour day. Even on land, the nature of experiments means you may spend long hours in the laboratory.

Hours may be more regular if you work for a government body, for example.

Part-time work is also available.

What to expect

Work can be field-based - whether that's on a sea-going vessel, in the office or the lab. Field trips may be physically demanding, particularly when at sea in difficult weather conditions. The amount of overseas work or travel involved will depend on your area of expertise.
Many jobs are based in academic or marine research institutes near the coast.
You'll need patience, tolerance and adaptability to cope with long periods at sea in confined quarters. It's also vital that you're committed to health and safety on ocean-going vessels, and when building or handling heavy equipment.
Experienced marine scientists may go on to work on a self-employed consultancy basis.
As projects are often grant-funded, contracts can be short term (12 to 24 months). This means you may need to change location, either to gain experience or to follow funding.

Qualifications

You'll usually need a degree relevant to the area of marine science you want to work in. Subjects include:

biology
chemistry
ecology
geology
marine science
marine biology
maritime studies
oceanography
palaeontology
physics
zoology.

Joint honours degrees, combining these subjects with other relevant areas of study such as mathematics, statistics or computing, are also good preparation.

A relevant Masters or PhD can be a distinct advantage when applying for jobs. You may need a PhD for some posts, for example in management or for lecturing positions. PhD opportunities are available through marine research organisations and universities, and you may be able to undertake a PhD on a part-time basis while working. It's important to identify a supervisor working in the specialist area that interests you.

Search postgraduate courses in marine sciences.

The Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), which forms one of the nine councils of the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), provides several NERC-funded PhD studentships.

Funding for the studentships is awarded directly to universities and other research organisations, so you'll apply directly to the institution you're interested in.

Entry without a degree is possible in seagoing technician and scientific support roles.

Marine science is a popular field and competition can be fierce. Making relevant contacts and getting your name and specialist interests known can help you find a way in.

Skills

You'll need to have:

research skills
strong analytical and interpretive skills
teamworking and collaboration skills
strong communication skills for writing reports, making grant applications and giving presentations at conferences
experience of habitat mapping and species identification
meticulous accuracy and attention to detail
IT skills
a willingness to take on the challenges of seagoing research and life on a ship
inquisitiveness and tenacity
experience in practical areas such as scuba diving, boat handling and first aid
enthusiasm and commitment to the field.

A driving licence is an advantage in this line of work.

Relevant language skills and experience of living or travelling abroad are useful for jobs with international organisations.

Work experience

It's important to get work or voluntary experience. Laboratory work and experience of relevant techniques may give you an advantage. Also, get involved with related societies or groups during your degree. Keep a record of any voluntary experience and holiday work you've done, including field trips.

If it's a career in research you're interested in, attending conferences, presenting papers, volunteering as a research assistant to a specialist and building good background knowledge and experience will help build your profile.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Marine scientists are employed by marine research institutes, universities, international organisations, commercial companies, government agencies and not-for-profit organisations.

Examples include:

energy, oil and gas exploration firms involved in marine energy
fisheries and aquaculture organisations
engineering companies
marine environmental surveying consultancies
renewable energy companies using sea-based and seabed turbines
marine and coastal management organisations
marine conservation and environmental consultancies
pollution and water control companies
shipping companies
statutory environmental protection agencies
environmental and conservation charities
public bodies, such as the Marine Management Organisation (MMO)
marine research laboratories and agencies.

Some employers, especially academic bodies or government agencies, may employ marine scientists 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 overseas travel to visit research sites makes up a significant portion of your role.

Look for job vacancies at:

Jobs may be advertised on university and marine institute websites, as well as on the websites of major companies.

Specialist environmental recruitment agencies also handle vacancies.

Professional developoment

Ongoing training in relevant research, technical and practical skills is a key part of working as a marine scientist. The diversity of research positions and projects allows you to build up a range of skills, technical experience and subject knowledge.

Training courses and workshops are offered by organisations such as IMarEST and the Marine Biological Association. Courses vary depending on your area of expertise and can include:

species identification
survey skills
practical skills for marine scientists
geographical information systems (GIS) and other specialist software
environmental impact assessments
the use of acoustic and seismic technology.

For research trips to sea, you'll need hands-on, practical, analytical and decision-making skills. Training provided by employers may include:

boat handling and crewing
sea survival, firefighting and responsibility at sea
first aid and health and safety
risk assessment
the use of heavy lifting equipment - cranes, A-frame, winches and hydraulic packs.

Training opportunities vary between employers, and you should find out the nature of training provision and opportunities for professional development when applying for jobs.

There are opportunities to undertake research and gain a PhD if you don't already have one. For a research career, you'll need to present research and papers at conferences, get published in peer-reviewed journals and apply for research grants.

Career prospects

Some areas of marine science lack a clearly defined promotional structure and career development will depend 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 your career and you may need to make a series of lateral moves to gain experience and establish contacts.

Entry-level positions are available 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're following an academic career, the usual starting point is getting a Doctorate, and then moving from a research assistant to lecturer, fellow and finally professor.

Most marine scientists will have to undertake some short to mid-term contracts before becoming eligible to apply for a lecturing position, and success is determined by your research, teaching and publications. An international reputation is an important factor if you want to progress within academia.

Marine scientist