Postdoctoral Research Scientist (PDRS) - Floating Offshore Wind Interactions with Ocean Fronts and Biodiversity

Contract type: Fixed-term (42 months)

Hours: 37 hours per week

The role

We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Scientist (PDRS) to join the MBA and become part of the vibrant Marine Research Plymouth Alliance working on the FRONTLINE project. FRONTLINE—a £3.5 million interdisciplinary initiative funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) via the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and The Crown Estate through the ECOFlow programme—aims to provide the first comprehensive assessment of how planned floating offshore wind (FLOW) developments in the Celtic Sea will interact with ocean dynamics, with a focus on ocean fronts (tidal mixing fronts) and knock-on effects on biodiversity, from plankton to predators.

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of oceanography, satellite remote sensing, and autonomous technologies, investigating how FLOW developments influence ocean processes and key ecosystem drivers in the Celtic Sea. The PDRS will focus on integrating high-resolution data from autonomous underwater vehicles (utilising NERC’s Autosub Long Range 1500, with missions starting in 2026) with remote sensing and operational model outputs to assess Celtic Sea ocean dynamics and possible FLOW consequences, thereby informing the sustainable development of offshore wind.

The rapid expansion of FLOW into deeper, seasonally stratified shelf seas like the Celtic Sea could alter ocean dynamics via wake effects, with tidal flows going past structures affecting ocean mixing and key ecosystem drivers such as phyto- and zooplankton dynamics. A key concern is the potential impact on ocean fronts, which form at the interface between tidally mixed and seasonally stratified waters. Fronts can be biological hotspots that fuel productivity and biodiversity, yet they remain poorly studied. The influence of FLOW on these critical habitats is virtually unknown, emphasising the urgent need for innovative monitoring and predictive tools to assess ecosystem responses.

FRONTLINE is led by Heriot-Watt University and offers the opportunity to collaborate within a large consortium of leading UK institutions, while focusing on this specific work package driven by researchers of the Marine Research Plymouth Alliance: Dr Lilian Lieber based at the Marine Biological Association (MBA), Prof Alex Nimmo-Smith at the University of Plymouth (UoP), and Dr Peter Miller at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML).

The position will be based at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth, and the PDRS will work closely with the relevant work package partners at UoP, PML as well as with other FRONTLINE partners.

Salary and benefits

• Salary based on experience
• 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
• Sick pay
• Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant/min.60% on site)
• Cycle to work scheme and electronic vehicle lease scheme
• Low-cost bookable parking on site

For more information on the role please see the Job Description

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.

How to apply

Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk (via the ‘Apply’ button above), quoting reference 0225PDRSLL. You will need to provide three things to apply:

1. Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
2. CV of education and employment history along with details of 2 referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
3. Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. Your application will not be considered without this information.

* Sponsorship is available for this position.

For further information, please contact Dr Lilian Lieber lilian.lieber@mba.ac.uk

Interviews will take place on 28^th April 2025