Executive Assistant
The Marine Biological Association
Hours: 30 hours per week, working pattern to be agreed with Line Manager
About the role
Are you keen to use your administrative abilities to support a world-class marine biology research programme? Then join us at the Marine Biological Association (MBA) as our new Executive Assistant. This key role supports our Chief Executive and the wider MBA Executive Team in an exciting period as the MBA seeks to expand its research and activities further.
You will work with our leadership team to help ensure the effective delivery of the MBA’s goals. You will need excellent administrative and interpersonal skills, as well as an ability to communicate clearly and work proactively, often handling confidential matters with discretion. This will be a varied role, including helping to support some of the MBA’s external partnerships. If this sounds like a good fit for you, we look forward to hearing from you.
Ideally, the successful candidate will be able to assume the position by 3rd March 2026 to facilitate a handover period.
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on experience within the range above.
- 30 days annual leave pro rata plus Bank Holidays.
- 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week).
- Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Low-cost bookable parking on site.
For more information on the role please see the Job Description
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.
How to apply
Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk quoting reference 1125EA. You will need to provide the following to apply:
- Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
- CV of education and employment history along with details of three referees (one must be your current or most recent employer). References will not be sought in advance of interview.
- Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*.
Your application will not be considered without this information.
* Sponsorship is not available for this position.
Interviews will take place week commencing 12 January at the MBA in Plymouth. You will only be notified if you are shortlisted for interview.
Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Scientist (PDRA) x 2 positions
The Marine Biological Association
Hours: 37 hours per week (Full time)
About The Role
We are seeking to appoint two Postdoctoral Research Assistant/Scientists to join the new Microplastics and Marine Pollution group at the Marine Biological Association in Plymouth. These roles are funded by the UKRI project Microplastics and multistressor effects on marine ecosystems in the context of global change (MICROMIX), led by Dr Alice Horton. The two PDRAs will have relevant and complementary expertise and skills to support the project’s goals. The post-holders will undertake experimental design and execution, sample processing and analysis, data analysis and preparation of peer-reviewed scientific manuscripts for publication. The positions will also involve engagement with the wider scientific community, including presentation of research findings at workshops and conferences.
Microplastics are a global concern, contaminating every environment that has been studied: in air, land, rivers and the sea. There is now substantial evidence to suggest that microplastics are regularly entering the bodies of organisms that are exposed, with potentially long-term negative effects for ecosystems. However, microplastics are but one of many stressors with the potential to affect organisms. In this respect, when considering the effects of microplastics, it is essential that we also account for the wider stressors, and the interactive (‘multistressor’) effects that these will have when combined. This is increasingly important in the context of increasing environmental contamination and global environmental change.
This project will address various aspects of microplastics as a chronic multistressor to marine organisms including:
- Experimentally investigating the effects of microplastics alongside key stressors including chemicals of emerging concern (such as PFAS, tyre additives and UV stabilisers) and ocean warming on various invertebrate species
- Assessing the effects of microplastics on microbial and microbiome communities
- Analysis of archived time-series samples to investigate whether microplastic contamination and thus organism exposure has increased through the decades
- Use of predictive tools to determine likely future risk in a rapidly changing environment
The MBA has excellent aquatic experimental facilities including the Seawater Hall Aquarium and multiple CT rooms. The Marine Microbiome Centre of Excellence at the MBA was opened in 2023 and includes the Mary Parke Bioimaging Centre.
Working at the MBA also provides unique access to the CPR Survey and associated expertise, enabling analysis of samples dating from the 1950s (corresponding with the inception of our ‘plastic age’). Experienced technician support is available across all facilities.
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on experience within the range above
- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
- Sick pay
- Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Cycle to work scheme
- Low-cost bookable parking on site
For more information on the role and person requirements please see the Job Description
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.
How to apply
Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk quoting reference 1225PDRASAH. You will need to provide three things to apply:
- Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
- CV of education and employment history along with details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References for shortlisted candidates may be sought in advance of interview but only with the permission of the candidate.
- Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK. *Non UK applicants can apply.Where a share code is provided, please also include your date of birth to enable the online right to work check.
* Sponsorship is available for non UK applicants for these positions.
For further information, please contact Dr Alice Horton alihor@mba.ac.uk
Interviews will take place the week commencing 2 March 2026.
You will only be contacted if you are shortlisted for interview.
Survey Operations Manager - Continuous Plankton Recorder Survey
The Marine Biological Association
Hours: 37 hours per week
Are you an experienced maritime professional looking for a role with real-world impact? The Marine Biological Association (MBA) is seeking a Survey Manager to lead the operational delivery of the Continuous Plankton Recorder (CPR) Survey—the longest-running marine biological time series in the world. This is more than a job. It is a chance to help safeguard a globally significant scientific legacy that informs our understanding of ocean health, biodiversity, and climate change.
The role
As Survey Manager, you will be at the helm of a complex and dynamic operation. You will coordinate the deployment of CPR equipment aboard commercial and volunteer vessels, manage international logistics, and ensure the safe and efficient running of the survey across the UK, North America, and beyond. You will work with everyone from ship captains and engineers to dockside handlers and scientific staff—so strong communication skills and a confident, adaptable approach are essential.
The requirements of this role necessitate the job holder being on-site: remote or hybrid working is not available.
What we are looking for
We are looking for someone with a professional maritime background who understands the complexities of marine engineering and operations and the importance of precision, safety, and teamwork.
You will need:
- Proven maritime experience, ideally with knowledge of towing operations and marine engineering
- The ability to engage confidently and positively with a wide range of people, from CEOs to port operators
- Strong organisational and logistics skills, with experience managing complex operations
- A flexible, can-do attitude and willingness to work unusual hours and travel internationally
- Experience in managing and training high performing teams, including volunteers
- A UK driving licence and ability to travel internationally as required
Why this role matters
The CPR Survey has been running continuously since 1931. It is a cornerstone of global marine science, and your work will help ensure it continues to deliver vital data for decades to come. You will be part of a passionate, mission-driven team at the MBA, working at the intersection of science, operations, and environmental stewardship.
Salary and benefits
- Salary based on experience
- 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- 3 Privilege Days given by the MBA (used during festive closure week)
- Sick pay
- Pension scheme – the MBA will contribute 10% of basic salary into a defined contribution scheme with staff making a 3% minimum contribution. The MBA will match additional employee contributions up to an additional 5%
- Cycle to work scheme
For more information on the role please see the Job Description
Equal Opportunities
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates and seek talented people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives in order to enhance all that we do.
How to apply
Please email recruitment@mba.ac.uk quoting reference 1225SOMCPRS. To apply, you will need to provide the following:
- Covering letter that outlines your previous and most relevant experience and explains how and why this makes you right for the role.
- CV of education and employment history.
- Details of two referees (one must be your current employer). References will not be sought in advance.
- Confirmation of your right to live and work in the UK*. If providing a share code, please also include your date of birth. Your application will not be considered without this information.
* Visa sponsorship is not available for this position and is not available to non-UK applicants for this position.
For further information, please contact David Johns djoh@MBA.ac.uk
Interviews will take place onsite week commencing 26/01/2026. Only those invited to interview will be notified.