We are the National Oceanography Centre (NOC) - the UK’s leading institution for integrated coastal and deep ocean research. Through our ground-breaking research, collaboration, and game-changing innovation we work to gain a deeper understanding of our ocean, helping every living thing on our planet flourish.
We are made up of a dynamic and vibrant community focused on solving challenging long-term marine science problems, underpinning international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
The ocean has the potential to provide the solutions to so many of the social, economic and environmental challenges we face worldwide. To truly harness the value of the ocean, we put ocean research, science and discovery at the heart of our culture.
Join us in shaping the future of oceanographic research and contribute your unique perspective to our organisation.
About the role
As part of NOC’s ongoing commitment to education and innovation we are proud to offer two placement students the opportunity to work within our busy and dynamic Operational IT Support department at our Southampton site. As part of this team you will be delivering critical IT resources and support to over 500 staff and students within the scientific and administrative communities of the NOC and its partners. Placement students will have the opportunity to support the work of world leading scientists and specialists in a diverse range of fields, from robotics to environmental modelling, as well as supporting critical corporate business functions and on-site marine facilities.
NOC IT provides computing services using a diverse range of technologies, including High-Performance Computing, Clustered Storage and Cloud Platforms. User devices are primarily Windows, although due to the specialist nature of the site, Mac OS, Linux and mobile devices are also supported.
Our Placement Students will work as part of a cross-site Operational IT Support team of nine staff in providing a crucial on-site customer facing role, during core opening hours which are currently set from 08:30 to 16:30. You will work closely with 3rd line support teams and interact with the diverse teams and individuals across the two NOC sites, playing a major role in:
- Staffing the NOC Southampton site Service Desk
- Second line Desktop and Mobile Device provisioning and Support (Windows/Mac OS, iOS)
- Technology Procurement
- Security, Anti-Virus and Encryption Services
- Active Directory and Microsoft 365
- Specialist project work and service development
In addition, you will be expected to participate in the enhancement of NOC IT services including specifying, documenting and reviewing new and existing support processes.
About you
We expect our placement year students to demonstrate an enthusiasm and passion for IT, excellent customer service, communication and team-based skills, and display an enthusiasm for learning new skills. As a key member of our busy and dynamic support team, you will need to be able manage your time efficiently and work effectively in a varied environment with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be a natural team player, with a sound appreciation for the importance of professional conduct and a champion of the NOC core values.
Most importantly you will proactively seek to assist others as well as improve existing processes and services within the team. Your role and responsibilities may change throughout the year so the ability to be flexible is a necessity.
Please note this position is only open to applicants who are currently studying for an IT based degree and who are looking for a placement year as part of their study.
Industrial Placement Students will be fully trained and will develop and apply their own technical and customer skills within the role.
Applications invited including a covering letter explaining your reasons for application.
Why NOC?
We offer a generous set of benefits, including:
- 30 days contractual annual leave, plus 3.5 extra closure days and bank holidays
- a 10% employer contribution pension scheme
- access to our Employee Assistance Programme, offering free and anonymous support on mental, physical, emotional, health and financial issues
- access to a flexible benefits portal offering online discounts, cashback and eGift cards
- a Cycle2Work scheme allowing employees to acquire bikes and accessories
- a great working environment with a number of social events, including summer and Christmas celebrations
Location
This position will be based in Southampton. The centre is well connected by public transport and has ample cycle parking in addition to free onsite car-parking with over 40 EV charging points.
