National Oceanography Centre, Southampton or Liverpool
Permanent
Full time (37 hours per week)
£35,151 - £38,662
Who are we?
We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK's leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
The British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), part of the National Oceanography Centre (NOC), provides a complete end-to-end data management service for UK marine data collected from a wide range of observational platforms, including fixed-position monitoring stations, Autonomous Unmanned Vehicles, and research expeditions carried out in the oceans across the globe. BODC's data holdings also encompass ocean model output produced through subsequent re-analysis of these observational datasets.
As a Band 7 Marine Data Manager, you will work within a team of data managers to carry out routine data management tasks to ensure that the data we hold in BODC can be reused by others well into the future. You will provide a data management service to a diverse range of marine research projects; this includes liaising with the scientists who collect the data. Marine science research expeditions typically generate large volumes of complex multi-disciplinary data. To ensure the long-term availability of these datasets to scientists, policy makers, industry and the public, BODC standardises, quality controls and curates them ensuring they are available for reuse.
In this role you will manage data through its full lifecycle, from data management planning and collection to online publication for reuse by others. You will also contribute to BODC Process Groups, which oversee specific elements of the data management pipeline, share expertise, develop process improvements and monitor operational systems.
About you
To be successful in this role you will need to understand the importance of sharing high quality marine science data. You will have a degree or post-graduate qualification in physical, environmental, earth or marine sciences with experience of working with scientific datasets and a keen attention to detail.
You will be adaptable and able to adjust to evolving work practices. You should be equipped with well-developed computer skills. Strong written communication skills, interpersonal skills, problem-solving skills and the ability to deliver work to deadlines are essential. You should have a strong interest in data management along with knowledge of the importance of metadata collection.
Desirable skills involve an understanding of project management, and the use of metadata standards and controlled vocabularies to facilitate the reuse of scientific data.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme (with a 15% NI saving on employee contributions made above 5%, if in the salary sacrifice scheme)
- Death in Service (3 times annual salary) provided by Aviva from day one of employment, plus access to a range of other Aviva wellbeing services
- financial support for relocation
- a salary sacrifice scheme for electric / hybrid vehicles (qualifying period applies)
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and confidential 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
Location
This position can be based in Southampton or Liverpool. Our Southampton site is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points. The Liverpool centre is part of the University campus and is only a short walk from the city centre and Lime Street station.
We have a hybrid working approach where for most positions staff can work from home up to 2 days per week. If you are interested in this position, but require a more flexible working arrangement, please contact the recruitment team using the contact details below.
Submitting an application
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 /
Please note that as part of your application you will be asked the following:
'In no more than 500 words please detail your practical experience working with scientific datasets, including processing, curation, quality control and data management practices.'
Before submitting your application please ensure you have reviewed the attached job description and person specification.
We are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We actively encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to apply for this position, as we strive to create a supportive and equitable environment where all voices are valued and heard.
Those seeking employment at NOC are considered solely on their qualifications, skills and experience, without regard to gender, gender identity, age, race, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, relationship status, family status (including pregnancy / maternity leave) or any other protected characteristic.
There is a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who meet the minimum criteria of the position and declare a disability.
Date advert posted: 26 February 2026.
Closing date: 26 March 2026. This vacancy may close earlier depending on the number of applicants.
Please note we are not accepting applications via recruitment agencies for this position.