Job description
Pacific Marine Research Institute is seeking a Senior Oceanographer to lead applied and coastal oceanography projects. The role blends fieldwork, data science, and policy-relevant research to advance understanding of marine systems and inform decision making.
Based in La Jolla, CA, the position offers access to state-of-the-art laboratories, field campaigns, and collaborations with academia, government, and industry partners.
Responsibility
- Lead design and execution of oceanographic data collection campaigns, including physical, chemical, and biological sensors.
- Develop, validate, and apply numerical models and data assimilation techniques for coastal and open-ocean systems.
- Analyze large datasets using Python, MATLAB, R, and GIS tools; produce robust, peer-reviewed results.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to translate findings into actionable insights for resource management and policy.
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and personnel; mentor early-career scientists and students.
- Publish results in peer-reviewed journals and present at national and international conferences.
- Support grant writing and fundraising efforts; contribute to proposals and reporting.
Qualification
- PhD in Oceanography, Physical Oceanography, Marine Science, or a closely related field; or Master’s degree with substantial research experience.
- 5+ years of post-graduate oceanographic research or applied oceanography experience.
- Strong programming skills in Python; proficiency in MATLAB or R; experience with data visualization and statistics.
- Experience with ocean models (ROMS, MITgcm), data assimilation, remote sensing, and GIS.
- Demonstrated field operations expertise; instrument deployment, data quality control, and mission planning.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to lead teams and manage projects.
- Eligibility to work in the United States or visa sponsorship availability.