Marine Taxonomist Positions – Oban, Plymouth, Gloucester
Closing date for applications: 31st August 2026
Contract type: Permanent Employee
WHY OCEAN ECOLOGY?
We are a leading marine environmental consultancy providing trusted survey, technical and advisory services to organisations shaping and governing the global blue economy. We are part of DNV, a global assurance and risk management company and a leading classification society to the maritime industry, enabling us to extend our reach, capability and client base across the UK and internationally.
Ocean Ecology sits within DNV’s Life Sciences business area, bringing together expertise across aquaculture and ocean health, healthcare, and medical technologies into a focused global platform. Within this, we play a key role in delivering independent environmental science and assurance across marine and coastal environments.
Our work is aligned with DNV’s purpose — to safeguard life, property, and the environment — providing trusted marine environmental services for responsible development and governance.
WHY APPLY?
These new roles will provide unique opportunities to work in and help shape a growing and dynamic organisation alongside a team of passionate marine scientists. We offer industry competitive salaries commensurate with experience, with associated benefits including private health options, extensive training opportunities and a flexible working policy.
MARINE BENTHIC TAXONOMISTS
We are looking for Marine Benthic Taxonomists to join our Ocean Ecology team in Oban, Plymouth or Gloucester. Successful applicants will have the opportunity to be involved in a full range of sample processing and wider laboratory activities including elutriation, sorting, identification, enumeration and bio massing of benthic species from intertidal, coastal and deep-water environments.
We welcome applications from candidates at all levels of experience, from early-career professionals to experienced specialists.
Ideally applicants should have:
- A clear and demonstrable passion for marine science;
- A conscientious and enthusiastic attitude;
- An appreciation of the need to work to tight timeframes within a commercial laboratory setting; and
- A BSc degree in marine biology (or similar marine related discipline).
Other desirable skills/experience include:
- Professional or post-graduate experience in the field of marine taxonomy;
- Experience in identification of macrobenthic and epibenthic species found in the NE Atlantic;
- Experience in analysis and interpretation of seabed imagery;
- Experience in zooplankton, phytoplankton and/or freshwater invertebrate identification;
- Experience working to recognised quality control scheme standards (e.g. NMBAQC); and
- Experience in identification of macrobenthic species from tropical, sub-tropical and/or deep-water environments.
WORKING ARRANGEMENTS
This position can be based at any of our laboratory locations in Oban, Gloucester, or Plymouth. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom.
HOW TO APPLY?
Please submit your application through the DNV Careers website using the below link.
Application deadline 31.08.26.
*Please note we may close this position earlier in case of finding successful candidates.