POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, plan, organize, and direct laboratory and field research activities at a full operational level. Perform a variety of technical laboratory and field experimental procedures to support methodological improvements to enhance ongoing research. Serve as project manager and lead research associate for the Scripps Ocean Acidification Real-time (SOAR) Monitoring Program, completing monthly field work and diving operations to ensure proper calibration and function of monitoring equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS
- S. Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education with knowledge of marine biology.
- Ability to identify common Pacific algae and invertebrates (temperate and tropical), including reef building coral species.
- Expertise in coral and seaweed taxonomy.
- Ability to perform taxonomic identifications using knowledge of both tropical coral and seaweed taxonomy.
- Current certification and ability to maintain American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver SCUBA certification.
- Experience operating small boats in coastal waters.
- Knowledge of safe shipboard and shore-side work procedures.
- Experience with database management, data sets, data processing, and data analysis.
- Experience reviewing scientific data sets and summarizing findings.
- Experience deploying instrumentation.
- Experience performing fieldwork along the California coast and be able to work cooperatively with a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team.
- Demonstrated experience conducting benthic community assessments using image analysis with requisite experience with IndoPacific marine species identification.
- Experience using, downloading, and troubleshooting pH, DO, PAR light intensity instrumentation such as HACH meters, HOBO data loggers, and Biospherical Instruments Inc. PAR Irradiance Sensors.
- Demonstrated understanding and experience in the use and maintenance of underwater sensors such as SeaFETs, mini DOTs, and SAMI CO2 sensors.
- Proficiency using a variety of computer software such as the Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Jmp, Primer and R for data analysis, writing up results, and preparing presentations for dissemination of results.
- Demonstrated experience using bioinformatic software and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, and Unix/Linux-based workflows) to process, analyze, and interpret genomic datasets.
- Demonstrated experience updating websites.
- Demonstrated ability to use carbonate chemistry programs such as CO2SYS and use data to calibrate instruments, graph, and present the data.
- Ability to work meticulously with large data sets.
- Experience in writing research result summaries and technical reports.
- Strong time management, organizational, and follow-up skills to prioritize and complete tasks and projects within set timelines, with ability to guide others in this regard.
- Must be able to move heavy instruments, equipment, and supplies up to 40lbs.
- Ability to travel occasionally for 1-2 weeks at a time.
- Demonstrated ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.
- Skill in coordinating volunteer schedules with project needs. Ability to provide independent work direction and training to volunteers and other personnel working on projects and/or with programs.
- Experience advising on basic laboratory safety procedures and protocols.
- Experience in reviewing volunteer qualifications and matching volunteer skills and knowledge to project needs.
- Experience training others in the following: marine species identification; benthic image editing and analysis; herbarium collection creation, maintenance, organization, and digital cataloging; tissue sample preparation for stable isotope analysis; marine DIC water sample collection procedures; processing and decalcification of settlement tiles from coral reef environments; and field methods for collecting benthic images.
- Experience creating and updating operating procedure documents for use by others to ensure consistency of methods and data quality control throughout the life of a project.
- Experience with public speaking, presenting to large audiences, and in instructional settings for outreach, engagement, teaching, and science communication.
Salary range: $68,430 – $110,078
Location: San Diego, CA
Application deadline: August 6, 2026
