Overview
National Oceanography Centre, Southampton / Royal Research Ship
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£28,323
About the organisation
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's centre of excellence for oceanographic sciences. We are a national research organisation, delivering integrated marine science and technology from the coast to the deep ocean. We are a dynamic and vibrant community focused on improving the world we live in, with a strong sense of purpose, values and behaviours and a continued commitment to a ‘one NOC’ approach. Our history dates back to 1949, and we aim to be the world’s most innovative oceanographic institution.
About the role
The UK’s Fleet of Scientific Research Vessels provides the ocean-going scientific platforms to support the UK’s worldwide oceanographic research programme. Research Infrastructure (RI) is part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), Southampton, a collaborative centre shared by United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), NOC and the University of Southampton. RI is responsible for the operation and management of two UKRI-owned research vessels and for providing wider support in the co-ordination and management of the UKRI / Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) Marine Facility Programme.
The successful candidate will be working alongside the onboard Hotel and Catering department on RRS James Cook or RRS Discovery. You will be a vital part of the team in supporting and assisting with both food preparation and ensuring the environmental cleanliness of all catering, cabin and leisure areas.
About you
For this position, it is essential that you hold the following:
* Health and Hygiene certificate MLC approved
* Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1) without restrictions
* STCW Basic Safety training (Fire Fighting, Personal Survival Techniques, Personal safety & social responsibility, Elementary First Aid)
* UK Discharge book
* Proficiency in Designated Security Duties
* Valid Passport with the right to work in the UK and a Seaman Discharge Book
* Be in possession of a US C1/D Visa or have the ability to undertake unrestricted world travel
You must be able to demonstrate success in a relevant work environment, backed by evidence of significant and appropriate specialist knowledge and experience within the catering industry. Holding a UK Ships Cook Certificate of Competency would be advantageous but not essential.
Hours of Work
Seagoing tours of duty will normally encompass at least two full scientific expeditions, or a minimum of two months, although these tour periods may vary depending on the ship's operational programme. Leave is earned at the annual rate of 324 days for each year served onboard and accrues at the rate of 27 days for each calendar month of service onboard.
Why the NOC?
We promote an inclusive and supportive environment where our people can meet their full potential.
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
* a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
* access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
* access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
* a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
* a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
* we are proud to be a Living Wage Employer
The NOC is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. There is a guaranteed interview scheme for suitable candidates with a disability so long as they hold a valid ENG1, and we welcome applications from ethnic minorities currently under-represented. The NOC is an Investors in People organisation.
We offer a contributory Group Personal Pension Plan for all new joiners.
How to apply
Please click ‘Apply for this job’ and submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the NOC recruitment team at careers@noc.ac.uk / 07355 676794.
Before submitting your application, please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
Please note you will be required to provide documentary proof of the following during the online application process:
* Valid UK MCA Seafarer Medical Certificate (ENG1), without restrictions or MCA recognised equivalent
* Valid Passport with the right to work in the UK and a Seaman Discharge Book
You will also need to affirm that you already have the right to work in the UK during the online application process.
Date advert posted: 27/10/2025
Closing date: 09/11/2025. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants. Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.
Assessing applications
All applications to the NOC are reviewed by a real-life person, not a computer programme. Attached to our adverts you will find a ‘Job Description and Person Specification’ document which clearly sets out the criteria against which applications are assessed. Once assessed the most suitable candidates will be invited to interview.
If you have been selected for interview, we will be in touch to arrange a time and date. If you haven’t been selected for interview, we will let you know, although we may not be able to give detailed feedback to every applicant.
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