Marine Scientist Duties & Responsibilities
The role and function of a Marine Scientist includes the following duties and responsibilities:
- Collect samples and data using processes such as coring techniques, geographic information systems (GIS), visual recording and sampling
- Work with computer databases and specialist software to analyse information, for example to carry out population assessments of particular species or evaluate ongoing damage to coral reefs in a narrowly defined area
- Conduct sea-based sampling and experimentation, involving periods on sea-going vessels
- Cost, plan and write grant proposals, as well as identify new sources of funding
- Manage research budgets
- Prepare research papers for journals and other specialist publications and present research findings at conferences
- Keep up to date with new research and technologies and attend training courses
- Prepare detailed reports, such as environmental impact assessments, for agencies, commercial organisations, governmental bodies such as the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), or oil companies drilling on the seabed
- Design scientific experiments, collate findings and design and build the appropriate equipment
- Develop new research theories and test hypotheses
- Advise on matters such as climate change, sea-based energy technologies and environmental impacts
- Liaise with colleagues across the field including fellow research staff, technicians, ships' crews and research assistants
- If based in an academic institution, lecture on specialist subjects and supervise Masters and PhD students
- Conduct educational and awareness-raising work by presenting talks to government ministers, the public, fellow academics and commercial employers.
Note that this is not an exhaustive list of Marine Scientist duties and responsibilities. Job functions for specific Marine Scientist roles may vary, depending on the industry and type of employer.