Under minimal supervision, undertake a range of activities in support of diverse deep-sea biological research projects, working directly with the Principal Investigator (PI). Play an active role in the planning and execution of research activities, including seagoing fieldwork and data collection, conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, statistical testing, and report writing, all while maintaining close collaboration and regular communication with the PI.
One key project will involve coordination with the Bracken-Grissom’s Laboratory at Florida International University (FIU), fostering collaboration across institutions and working on speciating and quantifying deep-pelagic crustaceans as well as preparing them for genetic analyses by FIU colleagues.
Laboratory work will largely be centered on deep pelagic animal speciation and quantification, animal dissections for trophic and biochemical analyses, and sample processing of diverse pelagic specimens collected at sea. Collaborate with diverse teams with varying skillsets, including students, postdocs and fellow researchers, and other PIs, to contribute original ideas to the field, laboratory, and synthesis phases of research in the Choy laboratory at SIO. Occasionally, standardize and innovate new research techniques and provide training to students in fieldwork, laboratory, and analysis methods. Contribute leadership to the storage, organization, and occasional provision of specimens to team members and collaborators. Contribute strongly and provide leadership in order to maintain a clean, safe, and organized research environment, while contributing to problem-solving efforts. There may also be occasional contributions to the PI’s teaching activities and participation in public-facing outreach activities.
Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Must be willing and able to travel.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Extensive research experience with deep pelagic scientific techniques aboard seagoing research vessels.
- Demonstrated experience with general laboratory upkeep, including purchasing, safely storing, and handling various chemicals and various field and lab supplies and equipment. This includes experience with carefully maintaining frozen specimen libraries in a highly-organized and detailed manner.
- Extensive research experience beyond coursework.
- Taxonomic and morphological familiarity with identifying, sorting, and dissecting diverse marine specimens, including across major groups of molluscs, fishes, crustaceans, and gelatinous animals.
- Theoretical and practical knowledge of the scientific process, with a focus on marine biology and ecology, especially in deep pelagic environments.
- Demonstrated knowledge of data processing and computing software, including the open-source scripting language R, PRIMER, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
- Ability to contribute to the collection of biological and environmental data in the field, and the ability to maintain detailed records of fieldwork activities.
- Ability to contribute to research projects through data analysis, interpretation, and writing, in collaboration with lab members and academic supervisor.
- Ability to contribute to innovative research contributions to funded projects, including specialized research and experimental procedures, and written reports.
- Working knowledge of general laboratory equipment, including operation, maintenance, and upkeep. Specifically, experience with safely maintaining and organizing ultra-low-temperature freezers.
- Ability to maintain careful records of research activities, to be used by others. Must be detail-oriented.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong and professional interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, resourcefulness, and respectfulness.
- Ability to work with diverse groups of students, researchers, and technicians with variable levels of skills and experience in both the laboratory and the field, specifically in seagoing environments.
Salary range: $75,449 – $121,324
Application deadline: October 21, 2026
