The successful candidate will investigate potential regime shifts in ocean circulation in the Ross Sea and wider Southern Ocean, and their implications for Antarctic Ice Sheet melting and the Southern Ocean Overturning Circulation. The research will aim to improve our understanding of how changes in ocean circulation and freshwater content influence ocean heat transport towards Antarctic ice shelves, affect their basal melting, and interact with the large-scale overturning circulation. The work will involve the analysis of satellite observations, alongside in situ oceanographic measurements and numerical model outputs, to identify, characterise, and understand changes in Southern Ocean dynamics.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge Antarctic research in an international, collaborative environment, with the possibility of participating in Antarctic research cruises. The successful candidate will work closely with collaborators at the British Antarctic Survey, University College London, the University of Gothenburg, the Norwegian Polar Institute and the University of Naples Parthenope.

We welcome applications from researchers with experience in physical oceanography, satellite remote sensing, ocean observations, numerical modelling, or related disciplines such as mathematics and physics.

The position is expected to start on 1 March 2027 for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of extension subject to satisfactory progress and funding availability. Some flexibility regarding the start date is available and can be discussed with the successful candidate. For further information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Alessandro Silvano a.silvano@soton.ac.uk.

Working at the University of Southampton:

Check out the staff benefits and why you should join us at The University of Southampton.

Closing Date: 16 Dec 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £37,369 to £45,641 per annum
Full Time Fixed Term for 2 years

The project will compare different approaches to representing phytoplankton physiology within the MITgcm-Darwin ocean ecosystem model. The successful candidate will implement and evaluate a range of physiological sub-models with the MIT virtual ocean environment, to investigate which aspects of cellular physiology are important for predicting nutrient cycling, primary production and carbon export.

The work will involve developing and testing numerical models, running global ocean simulations and analysing model outputs alongside oceanographic observations. There will also be opportunities to investigate how the effects of physiological complexity depend on environmental variability and ecological interactions.

We are looking for someone with strong quantitative and programming skills, and experience developing or analysing numerical models. A background in marine ecology, oceanography, biogeochemistry, applied mathematics or a related field would be beneficial. Experience with Fortran, high-performance computing and/or marine ecosystem models would be advantageous, but is not essential.

At Southampton, you will work closely with Dr Ben Ward and Professor Mark Moore, in collaboration with Professor Mick Follows, Dr Stephanie Dutkiewicz and colleagues at MIT. You will also have opportunities to work with staff and students across the wider Marine Biogeochemistry research group and the School of Ocean and Earth Science at the University of Southampton. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the publication of research findings in peer-reviewed journals and to present their work at national and international scientific conferences.

We welcome applications from all candidates with an interest in the role, and those who are committed to helping us create a diverse and inclusive work environment.

We encourage applications from candidates from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, people who identify as LGBTQ+ and people with disabilities. We recognise that employees may wish to have working patterns that fit with their caring responsibilities or work-life balance.  Due consideration will be given to applicants who have had career breaks for reasons including maternity, paternity or adoption leave, disability or illness. We offer a generous holiday allowance and additional University closure days, subsidised health and fitness facilities and access to the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS).

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification.

The position is full-time and fixed-term for 20 months, with an anticipated start in early 2027.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Ben Ward (b.a.ward@soton.ac.uk).

Working at the University of Southampton

Find out more about the staff benefits and working at the University of Southampton.

Closing Date: 09 Dec 2026

Section: Education, Research & Enterprise

Salary: £37,369 to £41,885
Full Time Fixed Term (20 months)