PWSSC’s new coastal resilience program, led by the Director of Coastal Resilience (DCR), will guide the development and application of approaches that support a more resilient future for coastal communities. This opportunity comes at a pivotal time: coastal communities and industries are facing new challenges as the oceans they rely upon undergo change, and forward looking solutions are needed to secure long-term stability and prosperity.
By advancing applied research, demonstration projects, and technology improvements—such as advanced fisheries management tools, maritime infrastructure modernization, renewable energy initiatives, full utilization of fisheries products, and development of value-added seafood—we can strengthen local economies while helping communities adapt. Additional opportunities include fishing fleet efficiency, fisheries processing improvements, cooperative research with industry, local foods programs, regenerative tourism, and support for emerging industries such as mariculture.
This work will be carried out with both ecosystem and economic benefits in mind, in partnership with internal staff and external collaborators. Public and private sectors alike are seeking practical strategies that support jobs, innovation, and community well-being, and our region—the northern Gulf of Alaska—offers one of the best opportunities to deliver solutions with relevance across Alaskan coastal communities and beyond.
Position Details
The Director of Coastal Resilience (DCR) will have a director-level research scientist designation. At PWSSC, each scientist leads an externally funded program of research and may oversee several team members, with opportunities to pursue research, educational outreach, and initiatives that align with our mission. The DCR will develop an applied science program in one or more fields of expertise, increasing PWSSC’s mission impact and collaborating with partners across sectors. Through their work— and the work of others they may supervise or collaborate with—they will advance applied projects that empower coastal communities to thrive. Examples of areas of interest include (but are not confined to):
- Work with industry to bring new products, technology-driven solutions, or management approaches to fruition;
- Build a comprehensive research program and identify strategic investments informed by the best available resilience science (social, environmental, economic);
- Conduct investigations into renewable energy implementation options and how they may impact and benefit rural coastal community resilience;
- Lead research on ecosystem management models that can be utilized at the state or federal level;
- Provide insights into recent patterns of the North Pacific Ocean;
- Help develop and advance regional economic development strategies, such as regenerative tourism;
- Collaborate with scientists and fishermen on adaptation planning and implementation;
- Establish a community engineering & entrepreneurship test bed, operating as an innovation workshop environment, startup accelerator, and prototype development hub;
- Advance fisheries innovations in processing, management, or product development, such as by establishing a fisheries innovation focus area within the coastal resilience program.
The successful candidate will have a demonstrated history of collaboration with state/federal regulatory agencies, Tribes, industry, academia, and nonprofits, as well as a record of success in generating extramural funding from private, foundation, governmental, or other sources. Applicants should have a strong working knowledge of coastal and ocean issues, stakeholders in Alaska, experience working on relevant projects or research in Alaska or elsewhere, the ability to become proficient in new topics, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Qualifications
Required:
- Advanced degree (master’s, Ph.D., or terminal degree) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent professional experience.
- Demonstrated leadership experience in managing complex programs, research, or community initiatives.
- Proven ability to secure funding from private, philanthropic, and government sources, with a track record of successful grant writing and fundraising.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills, with experience working across sectors (e.g., community, industry, government, and academia).
- Commitment to supporting the resilience, prosperity, and well-being of coastal communities.
Preferred:
- Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a related field.
- Experience directing interdisciplinary teams or partnerships.
- Familiarity with the northern Gulf of Alaska region, its communities, and its economic and ecological systems.
- Expertise in one or more of the following disciplinary backgrounds:
- Marine Biology & Ecology
- Oceanography (physical, chemical, biological)
- Carbon & Nutrient Cycling
- Coastal Geology & Geomorphology
- Fisheries Science & Management
- Coastal & Marine Engineering
- Climate Science & Adaptation Planning
- Renewable Energy (tidal, wave, offshore wind, coastal applications)
- GIS & Remote Sensing
- Data Science & Modeling
- Environmental Science & Policy
- Economic Development
- Industrial Process Improvement
- Seafood Product Development
- Economics (resource management, natural capital evaluation)
- Sociology / Anthropology
- Public Health (environmental and food security)
- Community Planning & Policy
- Community Development
Salary range: $90,000–$110,000 DOE
Application deadline: October 13, 2025
