Oceanographer

Salary
Graduate (MSc): £17,000 - £19,000
Graduate (PhD): £19,000 - £21,000
Employee with 10-15 years in the role: £40,000 - £55,000

Main Employers

• Government funding bodies and departments
• Research organisations and laboratories
• Universities
• Defence
• Non-governmental organisations 
• Environmental agencies
• Utilities, oil, gas and water industries

Job Profile
Oceanographers study the sea, the sea floor, marine life, ocean currents, the physical and chemical composition of the water and the atmosphere. They help solve problems related to mineral exploitation, shipping, fisheries, coastal construction, pollution, weather prediction and climate change. The work will draw heavily on mathematics and engineering disciplines and often work in multi-disciplined teams.

• Physical oceanographers study waves, tides, currents, and the action of the ocean and the atmosphere on each other
• Chemical oceanographers study the chemical reactions that occur in the ocean
• Biological oceanographers and marine biologists study how marine life interacts with their environment, from microscopic bacteria to large marine mammals
• Ocean engineers design and develop methods for obtaining minerals and other resources from the sea
• Marine geologists study the sediments and surface features of ocean basins
• Marine geophysicists analyse the form and composition of the sea floor, as well as the forces that shape the ocean floor such as currents, waves and tides

Roles and Responsiblities
Jobs will vary according to each employer; however you could expect to be involved in:

• Collecting  and analyse samples and data from the sea, sea floor, inland water features and atmosphere using specialised equipment and techniques
• Analysing samples for natural and contaminant composition
• Performing simulations of ocean phenomena using computerised or numerical models
• Using statistical and numerical models of laboratory and field data to investigate hypotheses and to predict further trends
• Lecturing, leading field trips, and attending scientific cruises and conferences 
• Writing proposals to obtain research funding and reports and papers on research activities

Qualifications
Relevant further education subjects include: Biology; Chemical and Physical Science; Computer Science; Ecology; Engineering; Environmental Science (biological); Geology; Geography (only acceptable with a physical and scientific base); Geophysics; Geotechnology; Marine Science; Mathematics; Oceanography.

Entry with an HND is possible for rare support and technical roles. Since oceanography is primarily a research-orientated career, it usually requires an MSc and often a PhD. Pre-entry experience is desirable, so if possible spend some time in a marine laboratory.

Career Development
Most of the time is spent at sea for oceanographers, so you must expect long stretches at sea. Hours at sea are  irregular, but many industry-based roles provide a sea allowance to compensate for this work.

Career development is largely self-directed and  involves moving around the UK and abroad. Candidates may develop their career through a series of short-term contracts. Many oceanographers move into leading teams, taking more responsibilities for contract and project management. Seniority can depend on the publication of research papers and having a wide range of experience.

For those in private industry and consultancy, career prospects are often tied in with the fortunes of the energy sector, particularly oil. If working in academia, you may need to combine departmental responsibilities with your own research. Within government organisations, it is vital to get involved in decision-making committees and internal working groups in order to progress.