Landers and Moorings Technician

Contract Type: Fixed Term – 24 months

Working Pattern: Full Time – 37 hrs per week

The Role

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the deployment, operation, and ongoing development of oceanographic lander and mooring systems, primarily supporting the Dark Oxygen Research Initiative (DORI) and OceanSOS projects of the Seafloor Ecology and Biogeochemistry research group. They will join the Marine Robotics and Instrumentation team, assisting with vessel-based operations including the deployment and recovery of subsea assets, ensuring systems are operated safely and effectively.

The role will involve inspection, maintenance, repair, and troubleshooting of a wide range of subsea instrumentation and supporting hardware, such as housings, deep-sea cameras, cables, and buoyancy systems. The candidate will also support the calibration of scientific sensors in the field, with a particular focus on oxygen, pH, hydrogen, and conductivity measurements.

A significant element of the role will involve the design, development, and construction of lander and mooring systems to meet specific project requirements. This includes leading on aspects of system design, procurement of components, and integration of instrumentation into field-ready platforms. The post-holder will also contribute to the wider operational activities of the team, including routine equipment maintenance, asset management, and logistics planning.

The role requires involvement in project logistics, including organising the shipment of equipment to and from vessel mobilisation ports around the world, and ensuring readiness for deployments. The successful candidate will be expected to apply SAMS Health and Safety procedures at all times.

The post-holder will be expected to engage with internal project meetings relevant to fieldwork planning and delivery, as well as wider marine operations coordination meetings.

Link to project: The Nippon Foundation: Dark Oxygen Research Initiative – Dark Oxygen production in the deep sea

Our Ideal Candidate

We are seeking a practical, proactive, and highly organised individual with experience in oceanographic fieldwork and subsea instrumentation. The ideal candidate will have a strong technical background and hands-on experience working with marine equipment, particularly in the deployment and recovery of lander or mooring systems.

They will have demonstrable experience in electronic fault finding, repair, and maintenance of subsea hardware, as well as familiarity with sensor calibration. Experience in the design and integration of oceanographic systems, including component selection and procurement, would be advantageous.

The successful candidate will be comfortable working both independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team in dynamic environments, including offshore deployments. Strong organisational skills and forward planning are essential, particularly in relation to logistics coordination and equipment preparation for field campaigns.

A proactive approach to health and safety is essential, along with the ability to follow established procedures. Excellent communication skills and attention to detail are also key.

Interested?

We would love to hear from you. If you have queries on the job and would like to talk these through before applying, please email these through to people@sams.ac.uk 

Applications must include CV and Cover Letter and should be sent electronically via the 'Apply' button above (recruitment@sams.ac.uk) quoting Job Ref. ‘D02/26.CA’ in the subject heading.

Closing date for application is 26th June 2026 – Interviews to be held in early July.

Please note, we are unable to provide visa sponsorship for this position and candidates must have the rights to work already in place.

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