If you’re just finishing a PhD in marine biology or are working as a marine biologist in the commercial sector, you might be considering a higher education lecturing career in this exciting and diverse field.
Marine biology continues to be one of the more popular biosciences disciplines among students at all levels. The higher education sector looks to hire lecturers with the right combination of research, fieldwork and professional experience to inspire future marine experts and innovators.
Here we give an overview of the marine biology lecturer role, the qualifications and experience you’ll need and where to look for these positions at jobs.ac.uk.
What does a Marine Biologist do?
Marine biologists study marine organisms and ecosystems. They play a key role in finding ways to conserve and protect the marine environment in the face of the overwhelming pollution and damage caused by humans.
This is mainly a research-based profession and jobs in the sector will generally involve data and sample analysis and lab and fieldwork activities. Marine biologists work in universities, public and government organisations, marine conservation charities/NGOs, and industries such as fisheries, energy, oil and gas exploration, and environmental mapping/surveying companies.
For more information about current and future marine biology research and activities visit the Marine Biological Association.
Lecturing jobs in Marine Biology
Lecturers deliver research-led, cross-disciplinary teaching to undergraduate and postgraduate students. They also conduct individual and collaborative research in areas like marine ecology or biological oceanography.
Duties include:
- Undertaking national and international research and fieldwork.
- Teaching at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in marine biology, zoology and biological sciences.
- Supervision of global residential field courses and programmes.
- Publication of research outcomes and application for further funding.
- Collaboration in research with marine biology colleagues, industries and organisations.
- Curriculum development and innovation.
How to Become a Marine Biology Lecturer
This is a competitive area requiring lecturers to have a high level of qualifications, knowledge and experience. Higher education employers would expect candidates to meet the following criteria:
Qualifications
Having a PhD in marine biology, marine ecology, marine zoology or related subject would be essential for a lecturer in marine biology job.
Universities may be willing to accept equivalent professional qualifications and experience of working as a marine biologist in relevant organisations or industries. However, you would be required to demonstrate extensive and transferable knowledge of academic research methodologies and activities.
Knowledge and experience
Evidence of research activity and a developing publication record gained through postdoctoral projects and/or professional experience would be essential.
Most job adverts require lecturers to join established research programmes. Therefore, you would need to demonstrate the expertise you could bring to current programmes and how you would pursue further funding opportunities.
Postholders would also be expected to show experience and ability in delivering excellent teaching (at least at the undergraduate level) and the ability to help graduates into a career in the sector. Having a higher education teaching qualification would be an advantage.
What’s the pay?
A lecturer can expect a salary in the range of £43,414 to £51,841 p.a., depending on qualifications and experience.
What can it lead to?
Your next step on the academic career path would be to apply for a senior lecturer or associate professor. Promotion would depend on the quality of your teaching, research and collaboration with marine industries and organisations.
Where can I find Marine Biology Lecturer jobs?
Marine biology remains a popular degree programme and is taught at universities globally, particularly in locations with a high proportion of marine industries (such as fisheries). Therefore, you will find a wide range of teaching and research roles available – however, application rates for lecturing jobs in this popular subject are high.
New lecturing jobs are added to jobs.ac.uk all the time. Look at our current roles and get the latest opportunities straight to your inbox by registering for a jobs by email alert.
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