Faculty of Science and Engineering School of Biological and Marine Sciences REF: B1217 Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE) Salary: £39,906 to £46,049 per annum - Grade 7 We are seeking a 3-year Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the ERC-funded project, “Antarctic Canyon Experiment (ACE): How do Ice sheets affect turbidity currents and organic carbon cycling?” About the role: You will join a multidisciplinary team led by Dr Jenny Gales at the University of Plymouth, working closely with international partners at OGS, University of Gothenburg, Australian National University, Northern Illinois University, Alfred Wegener Institute and Earth Sciences New Zealand. At the University of Plymouth, you will be part of a vibrant research community within the Centres for Hazards and Risk Reduction and Coastal and Ocean Processes and Engineering groups in the Faculty of Science and Engineering. ACE will provide the first direct measurements of Antarctic turbidity currents through two major Antarctic expeditions planned for 2027 and 2028. Turbidity currents are among the most significant sediment transport processes on Earth, moving vast volumes of sediment, organic carbon, and pollutants from continental margins to the deep ocean. These powerful events can reshape the seafloor, impact ecosystems, and pose risk to offshore infrastructure. Despite their importance, the causes, character, and consequences of Antarctic turbidity currents remain poorly understood due to challenges of observing them directly in the deep ocean. ACE will address this by combining modern observations with geological records to understand their drivers, frequency, and broader environmental significance. The project will also investigate how turbidity current activity has responded to past climate change over millions of years, using sediment cores from IODP Expedition 374 (McKay et al., 2018 ). Together, these approaches will improve understanding of carbon transfer in high-latitude systems and inform predictions of future change under a warming climate. You will apply novel, multidisciplinary approaches to integrate: • Direct observations of seafloor processes, such as turbidity currents, from oceanographic moorings deployed in Antarctic submarine canyons. • Geological and palaeo-climate records from Antarctic sediment cores (IODP Expedition 374, McKay et al., 2018 ). • Geophysical datasets to assess long-term variability in turbidity current behaviour. This work will enable assessment of how turbidity currents respond to climatic forcing over millennial timescales, and the associated implications for geohazards and carbon cycling. You will also contribute to the planning of two Antarctic expeditions and may have the opportunity to participate in the field campaigns. The role offers training in physical oceanography, geophysics, sedimentology and geochemistry within a highly collaborative, international research environment. It also includes opportunities for research and career development training, opportunities to join scientific expeditions, and to present your research findings at international conferences. You will also contribute to the wider scientific objectives of IODP Expedition 374, engaging with a global network of researchers. You may be required to obtain an ATAS Certificate prior to this research being undertaken. For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Jenny Gales: by email at jenny.gales@plymouth.ac.uk What we’re looking for: • Specialist analytical experience in at least one relevant area (e.g. Acoustic Doppler Current Profiler/oceanographic data, Ocean Bottom Seismometers, process sedimentology, seismic interpretation, sediment core analysis, isotope geochemistry, multibeam data). • Demonstrated ability to integrate multidisciplinary datasets across different spatial and temporal scales. • Willingness and ability to undertake international travel and sea survival training (e.g. STCW95). • A strong understanding of marine or continental slope processes (desirable). • Experience working with oceanographic instruments (desirable). For more information about the job and the person specification, please refer to the job description. About us: The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our two strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute and the Sustainable Earth Institute. 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. For more information on School of Biological and Marine Sciences please visit our dedicated webpage at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools Application Process Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, skills and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement. Our Offer We have a wide range of staff benefits available to employees, depending on eligibility: • Generous annual leave: 35 Days Annual Leave 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. https://hrservices.plymouth.ac.uk/tlive_webrecruitment/wrd/run/ETREC179GF.open?WVID=1602750fTZ&VACANCY_ID=072382Y3eS Closing date – 01/06/2026 – 12 o’clock midnight Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .