Marine Taxonomist

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.

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. 

Responsibilities

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.  

DNV is an Equal Opportunity Employer and gives consideration for employment to qualified applicants without regard to gender, religion, race, national or ethnic origin, cultural background, social group, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, age or political opinion. Diversity is fundamental to our culture and we invite you to be part of this diversity.

 

Qualifications

Ideally applicants should have:  

• A BSc degree in marine biology (or similar marine related discipline)
• 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

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 recognized quality control scheme standards (e.g. NMBAQC)
• 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. Please note that candidates must have an existing right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Application deadline 31.08.26.

*Please note we may close this position earlier in case of finding successful candidates.  

Security and compliance with statutory requirements in the countries in which we operate is essential for DNV. Background checks will be conducted on all final candidates as part of the offer process, in accordance with applicable country-specific laws and practices.

About Life Sciences

We help our customers in medical devices, healthcare, and aquaculture/ocean industries build trust and transparency across their products, assets, and supply chains. By working with customers to certify medical technologies, support safe and sustainable healthcare practices, and advance responsible aquaculture and ocean stewardship, we help manage risks, meet regulatory demands, and achieve long-term goals. Drawing on deep technical expertise, we partner with customers worldwide to bridge trust gaps between patients, providers, producers, and consumers—driving sustainable results and improved ESG performance.