Dr Daniel Phillips

I am a Scientific Systems Technician at the National Oceanography Centre, where I work at the interface of ocean science, engineering, and data systems. My background is in chemical oceanography and marine biogeochemistry, having completed my PhD with the University of East Anglia and Plymouth Marine Laboratory, where I studied trace gases and their role in the atmosphere–ocean system.

At NOC, I specialise in the technical delivery of essential ocean variable (EOV) systems, leading upgrades, integrations, and data‑product development to support long‑term ocean monitoring. My role focuses on the continuous improvement of these systems—evaluating new sensors, refining data workflows, and ensuring that instrumentation keeps pace with evolving scientific and operational requirements. I work closely with sensor manufacturers to test new capabilities, resolve technical challenges, and help influence system development based on real‑world shipboard needs. Just as importantly, I collaborate with scientific end users to translate their measurement priorities into practical engineering and data‑product solutions that deliver meaningful, reliable information.

A major part of my role also involves designing, developing, and supporting research‑vessel data‑acquisition systems. I work across the full lifecycle of these platforms: integrating new instruments, developing acquisition and processing routines, and enhancing system performance through programming in Python, JavaScript, and Git‑based workflows. I collaborate closely with end‑user communities, including national data centres such as the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), to ensure that the data products we generate are accurate, consistent, and genuinely valuable to the wider oceanographic community. By combining engineering practice with software development and sustained user engagement, I help deliver high‑quality, well‑documented datasets suitable for long‑term scientific use and archival.

Since joining NOC, I’ve supported multiple research expeditions and ship refits, working alongside scientists, engineers, and technicians to ensure robust, high‑quality data collection at sea. I am an Associate Member of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology and am actively working towards professional registration as a Marine Technologist.