4 University of Plymouth jobs in England & Wales

Research Fellow in Ocean Dynamics and Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) consequences on key ecosystem drivers in the Celtic Sea., We are seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the University of Plymouth working in collaboration with Plymouth Marine Laboratory 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 floating offshore wind (FLOW) developments in the Celtic Sea interact with ocean dynamics, with a focus on ocean fronts (tidal mixing fronts) and knock-on effects on biodiversity, from plankton to predators. The project is led by Heriot-Watt University and offers the opportunity to collaborate within a large consortium of leading UK institutions while focusing on a specific work package driven by researchers in Plymouth, UK: Dr Lilian Lieber and Prof Alex Nimmo-Smith at the University of Plymouth (UoP), and Dr Peter Miller at Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML). 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 (tidal mixing 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. 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 dynamics and key ecosystem drivers in the Celtic Sea. You will collaborate with leading UK institutions, focusing on integrating high-resolution data from NERC's Autosub Long-range 1500 AUV 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 position will be based at the University of Plymouth and you will work closely with Plymouth Marine Laboratory.

The School of Biological and Marine Sciences holds a Bronze Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you'll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today's global challenges.

• Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave (pro rata if part-time) plus Bank Holidays & Closure Days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working
• Retailer discounts
• On-site nursery
A summary of our comprehensive benefits can be viewed here. A relocation package may be available to the successful candidate, conditions apply.