Working with us

This page will be updated with our latest current vacancies, including work experiences when they are available. We also advertise all vacancies on our social media channels.

Current Vacancies

Marine Biogeochemist

Full-time (37 hours per week)
Salary: £38,213 on appointment, rising in spine increments over 5 years to £47885
Location: Plymouth
Application deadline: 23 October 2026 11:59pm

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Marine Biogeochemist to join our internationally recognised Marine Biogeochemistry and Observations team.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to innovative marine science through a varied role that combines laboratory analysis, fieldwork, data management and scientific reporting. Working across a diverse portfolio of research projects, you will help generate the high-quality environmental measurements that are essential for understanding marine ecosystems and the processes that shape them.

As part of a collaborative and supportive team, you will provide scientific and technical expertise across a range of marine research activities. You will take a leading role in nutrient analysis and support the management of shared laboratory facilities, using advanced analytical instrumentation in both laboratory and field settings. Your work will contribute to research spanning river catchments, coastal waters and the open ocean.

Fieldwork is a key part of this position, and you will have opportunities to take part in both land-based surveys and sea-going research expeditions, including extended research cruises. Working within PML’s accredited quality framework, you will play an important role in delivering robust, traceable datasets that support world-class science and environmental solutions.

Find out more and apply

Head of Strategic Partnerships and Funding

Full-time (37 hours per week)
£61k – £65k per annum
Location: Plymouth (hybrid available)
Application deadline: 12 noon on 21st September 2026

Join us and help build the partnerships that will shape the future health of our Ocean

Plymouth Marine Laboratory (PML) is one of the world’s leading centres for marine science – independent, internationally respected and trusted by governments, industry and NGOs to answer the questions that matter most for the health of our seas.

As our first Head of Strategic Partnerships and Funding, you’ll lead the delivery of PML’s strategy to broaden and grow income streams. Working closely with senior scientific leaders, you’ll build strategic relationships and secure investment from commercial, industrial, governmental and philanthropic partners, creating sustainable funding that accelerates our scientific mission.

Find out more and apply

You can find out more about our company benefits here.

For more information about living and working in Plymouth please click here.

If you have any questions regarding vacancies or other opportunities please email careersNOSPAM@pml.ac.uk.

PML is a Disability Confident employer, and we have recently attained the Investors in Diversity Silver accreditation. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture, where all can succeed based on merit, and will provide any reasonable adjustments required to enable this.

To support staff from all backgrounds, we offer a range of family friendly and inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and staff engagement forums.

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Any new vacancies will be posted here and also on our social media channels such as X/Twitter and Facebook.

Working at PML means you are part of an internationally-renowned charity which makes an essential and meaningful contribution to identifying solutions to the most pressing challenges facing the marine environment.

Across our scientific and operational areas (which include finance, facilities, HR, IT, marketing and communications) we employ people with a wide range of skills and expertise. We recognise that people are key to PML’s success and, as well as offering a package of competitive benefits, we provide a supportive and inclusive environment that will enable you to flourish and develop.

Our Equity, Diversity and Inclusion policy available to download here outlines our commitment to promote equity and diversity, providing an environment for you to work and study that is encouraging, inclusive and free from discrimination. Action plans are developed and reviewed through our EDI committee on a regular basis and reported annually to our Board of Trustees.

As part of our commitment to address the underrepresentation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) we achieved an institutional Bronze Athena SWAN award through Advance HE. This award recognised PML’s commitment and achievements in understanding and removing barriers to success, and our excellent practices in recruitment, development and promotion for women in underrepresented areas of the charity.  We have also developed a Gender Equality Plan that outlines our commitments in more detail. We’ve also been awarded the ‘Investors in Diversity’ Silver Award for our commitment to inclusivity withinin the organisation.

We recognise challenges that can face disabled applicants in the recruitment process, and have in place measures to provide adjustments and support, including our commitment to the “Disability Confident Employer” Scheme. This includes the “Guaranteed Interview Scheme” for candidates who have a disability and meet the essential selection criteria for the role.

In 2025 PML signed up to be an Endometriosis Friendly Employer. We are committed to supporting our employees with endometriosis and ensuring they reach their full potential.

Visiting researchers

We welcome interest from visiting researchers who have secured funding to work in the UK, or who have won fellowships, such as a Marie Curie Fellowship, and are looking for a well equipped and vibrant scientific laboratory in which to pursue their research.

If you are interested in joining us to undertake your Marie Curie Fellowship or as a Visiting Researcher, please contact us. We also accept enquiries from those who have not yet secured funding but would like to discuss research opportunities or voluntary placements.

Living and Working in Plymouth

Read the new ‘Living and Working in Plymouth’ brochure that shows why Plymouth and the surrounding area is a fantastic place to live.