Career Paths in Maritime Research and Technology | Fieldwork & Operations
What other career options are available within and beyond the academia?
The following selection of typical career fields provides an overview of other options and may serve as inspiration.
| Career field | Typical workplaces | Qualifications |
| AUV-Operator | Research institutions, offshore industry | Mission planning, programming, navigation, data analysis |
| Expedition Leader | Universities, research centres | PhD recommended; scientific expertise; leadership experience; international collaborations |
| Research / Commercial Diver | Freelance work, research institutions, civil engineering and specialist civil engineering companies, shipping companies, wastewater treatment plants and sewer systems, diving and salvage companies, aid organisations and water rescue organisations, military | Diving qualification (e.g. research diver, combat diver, rescue diver); physical fitness; where applicable, experience in underwater welding and cutting; where applicable, qualification to handle explosive substances; where applicable, emergency medical or rescue training |
| Marine Surveyor | Offshore companies, classification societies, engineering consultancies | Surveying techniques, documentation, GIS, quality management |
| Offshore Operations Lead | Offshore companies, wind energy companies | Occupational health and safety, operations planning, personnel management, offshore certification |
| ROV Pilot | Offshore companies, research institutions, marine service providers | ROV systems operation, electronics, troubleshooting, navigation |
Do I need a PhD to work in this field?
Practical experience and relevant certifications are generally more important than a PhD for these roles.