Earth Observation Scientist

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Job Summary

Renowned internationally for its research excellence supporting a sustainable ocean, Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) has an exciting opportunity for a 1-year scientist position.

It is a crucial time for the ocean with key international drivers being the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the “double decade” of action – The Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development, and the Decade of Ecosystem Restoration.

We are looking for an Earth Observation scientist (1-year maternity cover) to work on topics related to phytoplankton primary production, phytoplankton dynamics and biodiversity in our Marine Processes and Observations (MPO) group. This will involve working together with other MPO team members and along partner organisations such as the European Space Agency (ESA) to carry out research on a number of ongoing projects, including PHYTO-CCI, TIME and CAMP. The work will include development of ocean colour algorithms, data production and analyses to address long-term trends in phytoplankton primary production and diversity as well as  tipping points in marine ecosystems. There is a possibility of extending the job by an additional year, subject to performance and project requirements.

Key Deliverables

Improve remote sensing algorithms for mapping various biologically-relevant carbon pools and fluxes in the upper ocean, including primary production and phytoplankton carbon and diversity.

Study marine ecosystem tipping points, specifically those in phytoplankton phenology and primary production, using remote sensing observations.

Skills Specification

• Postgraduate degree (PhD, MSc) in oceanography or allied fields (such as physics, mathematics, biology, statistics), or with equivalent experience.
• Background in satellite data processing, especially long-term datasets or similar.
• Strong programming skills are required to produce and analyse satellite data.
• Domain knowledge of phytoplankton ecology, phytoplankton diversity, primary production and/or biological carbon pump.
• Candidates who are versatile, enthusiastic, self-motivated, willing and eager to learn new science.
• Projects are international, and so good inter-personal skills, ability to work with people from different cultural backgrounds, and willingness to travel to meetings would be desirable.

To apply, please click the 'Apply' button.

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