Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Research Fellow in Ocean Dynamics and Floating Offshore Wind (FLOW) consequences on key ecosystem drivers in the Celtic Sea.

About the role

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.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 42 months due to funding.

For this role, you will need to be on site 3 days a week. Although we can accommodate hybrid working, flexibility to be on-site will be expected depending on business needs.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact:

Lilian Lieber by email at lilian.lieber@plymouth.ac.uk.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date of the vacancy, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date(s): week commencing 7^th July 2025

A relocation package may be available to the successful candidate, conditions apply.

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