Project Overview
About the Position
The University of Southampton recruits doctoral candidates to the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean, focused on robotic monitoring and data processing for seafloor change. The network develops autonomous platforms, sensing technologies and data pipelines to observe and understand seafloor dynamics - from habitat change to geohazards - training a cohort of doctoral researchers across European partner institutions. Applications close on 31 October 2026, so candidates should apply as early as possible.
MSCA doctoral candidates receive an attractive EU-funded package: a generous monthly living allowance (adjusted by the host country), mobility and family allowances where applicable, plus full coverage of research and training costs. Doctoral researchers must comply with the MSCA mobility rule - they may not have resided or carried out their main activity in the recruiting country for more than 12 of the 36 months before recruitment - and positions typically run for three years with international secondments.
Candidate Profile and Application
Applicants hold a master's degree (or equivalent) in robotics, computer science, electrical, mechanical or ocean engineering, or a related discipline, with interests in autonomous systems, sensing or marine data science. Applications are made through the University of Southampton's eRecruitment portal referencing vacancy 3522426DA, with a CV, transcripts, references and a motivation statement; shortlisted candidates are interviewed by the network's host groups.
Highlights
- MSCA Doctoral Network BlueOcean - robotic seafloor monitoring
- EU-funded allowance package with mobility terms
- Autonomous platforms, sensing and data pipelines
- International secondments across network partners
- MSCA mobility rule applies
- Closing date: 31 October 2026 - apply early
Funding and Duration
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Award or position | PhD fellowship / salaried position |
| Stipend / salary | MSCA doctoral candidate allowance (living + mobility per EU rates) |
| Duration | Three years (MSCA doctoral candidate) |
Eligibility and Requirements
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicant eligibility | Worldwide |
| Academic preparation | Master's in robotics, computer science, electrical or mechanical engineering (MSCA mobility rule applies) |
| Language | English proficiency required |
Application dates
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment status | Open |
| Deadline | 31 October 2026 (closing soon) |
| Location | Southampton, United Kingdom |
About University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a Russell Group research university on England's south coast, ranking among the UK's top engineering, ocean and earth science institutions. It hosts the National Oceanography Centre partnership, world-leading maritime robotics groups and one of the UK's largest doctorate-training portfolios, including Marie Sklodowska-Curie doctoral networks. Southampton research spans engineering, environmental and marine sciences, electronics, health and the humanities, with doctoral candidates recruited through the university's eRecruitment portal for funded projects across its faculties and research institutes.
Official details: Read the programme or project information
Application route: Follow the official application instructions
Contact
Questions about this position, eligibility or the application process should be raised through the contact channel given on the official announcement page (see the Official Link section above). Always quote the position reference in your message so the admissions or HR team can route your enquiry quickly.
Important Notes
- Application deadline: 31 October 2026 (closing soon) - late or incomplete applications are normally not considered.
- Listing details were recorded from the official source at the time of publication; always confirm the latest requirements on the official page before applying.
- Prepare the documents listed in the eligibility and application sections before starting the online form - transcripts, CV and references take the longest to collect.
How to Apply
Submit your application through the official page before the deadline: 31 October 2026 (closing soon). Read the eligibility requirements carefully and prepare all requested documents - early applications are strongly recommended for competitive awards.
Open the official application page ↗
Application guides
- University Motivation Letter: Explain Your Preparation and Course Choice
- Academic CV for PhD Applications: Structure and an Example
Official Link
https://jobs.soton.ac.uk/Vacancy.aspx?ref=3522426DA
Frequently asked questions
Drawn from this listing's own record. Always confirm the details on the official source before applying.
What is the deadline for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom?
The application deadline is 31 October 2026 (31 October 2026 (closing soon)). Applications received after that date are not considered, so treat it as a hard cut-off (Europe/London time) and leave time for references and transcripts. Closing time not specified — confirm with the provider before you leave it until the last day: the source names Europe/London but gives no clock time.
Is Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom fully funded?
This is a fully funded award: tuition is covered and a living stipend is provided for the duration of the programme. £43,994–£47,279/year (MSCA Doctoral Network salary).
Who is eligible to apply for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom?
This opportunity is open to applicants worldwide. Host-country status is not a requirement, although you must still satisfy the visa rules for United Kingdom. Applications are assessed by University of Southampton.
How do I apply for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom?
Applications for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom are submitted directly to University of Southampton through the provider's own application portal — use the Apply button on this page to open it. NextApply does not process applications or charge a fee.
Is an English proficiency test required for Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom?
Yes — an English-language certificate is required for this listing. Check the exact band expected on the official source, since it can differ by programme. Requirements for United Kingdom are published by the provider.
What study level does Marie Sklodowska-Curie Actions Doctoral Network BlueOcean (Robotic Seafloor Monitoring) - University of Southampton, United Kingdom offer?
This listing is offered at PhD level. That describes the qualification on offer, not a credential you must already hold — check the provider's stated entry requirements before applying.
Hosted by
University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a Russell Group research university on England's south coast, ranking among the UK's top engineering, ocean and earth science institutions. It hosts the National Oceanography Centre partnership, world-leading maritime robotics groups and one of the UK's largest doctorate-training portfolios, including Marie Sklodowska-Curie doctoral networks. Southampton research spans engineering, environmental and marine sciences, electronics, health and the humanities, with doctoral candidates recruited through the university's eRecruitment portal for funded projects across its faculties and research institutes.
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