Postdoctoral Research Associate, Marine Sciences, Ocean Modeling and Sea Scallop Fishery Adaptation

Overview

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary project at the forefront of climate–fishery research. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to an interdisciplinary project focused on enhancing the adaptive capacity of the Atlantic Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) fishery under changing ocean conditions. The Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery is one of the most economically valuable in the United States, with annual landings exceeding $500 million.

However, increasing vulnerability to ocean acidification, ocean warming, and extreme temperature events poses significant challenges to scallop growth, reproduction, and long-term fishery sustainability. The project aims to transform how environmental and social data are integrated into fisheries management by combining advanced ocean forecasting, species-specific modeling, and social science to develop adaptive strategies that enhance both ecological and fishing community resilience.

• Develop and implement coupled MOM6–DEB forecasts of scallop growth and mortality in rotational management areas.
• Evaluate the skill of oceanographic forecasts for environmental variables influencing scallop physiology.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of oceanographers, ecosystem modelers, social scientists, and industry partners.
• Contribute to workshops, stakeholder engagement, and communication of results to management agencies and fishing communities.
• Prepare peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, and project reports.

• Ph.D. in oceanography, marine science, fisheries science, climate science, or a closely related discipline by the start of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling, ocean forecasting, or biophysical coupling.
• Experience with ocean biogeochemical cycling, including carbon, oxygen, and nutrient cycles, through courses or research experience.
• Experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or Fortran).
• Experience communicating clearly and effectively in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated experience with or ability to pursue research independently.

• Experience with Earth system or regional ocean models (e.g., MOM6, ROMS) and/or Dynamic Energy Budget modeling.
• Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary and collaborative research settings.
• Experience with engaged research.
• Experience with fisheries science, ecological forecasting, or decision-support tool development.
• Publications related to the minimum qualifications (e.g., oceanography, marine sciences, fisheries, science, climate science, etc.).
• Research experience with forecasts or projections.

This is a full-time, end-dated position with the possibility of renewal subject to performance and funding. The project includes postdoctoral salary support for up to three years, pending satisfactory progress and the availability of funding. Start date is flexible, with the preferred appointment start date in early 2026, but applicants requesting a later start date will be considered. The University offers a competitive salary and excellent benefits, including employee and dependent tuition waivers at UConn, and access to employer-sponsored retirement plans with matching funds.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and is expected to be based on the National Research Service Award (NRSA) Post Doctoral Fellow stipend scale. The anticipated initial annual salary for a person with no prior postdoctoral experience is $62,232.

Postdoctoral Research Associates employed at UConn are represented by the UConn Graduate Employee and Postdoc Union (GEU-UAW Local 6950). Other rights and terms and conditions of the appointment are contained in the collective bargaining agreement between the University of Connecticut and the GEU-UAW Local 6950.

Please apply online at UConn Jobs, (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Staff Positions, Search #499267, and upload a single PDF document that includes a one-page statement of research interests and relevant experience, a current CV, and contact information for three references. Information about the Coastal Biogeochemical Dynamics Lab is available at

This position will remain open until filled. All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics, which may be found at .

All members of the University of Connecticut are expected to contribute to an inclusive, respectful, and diverse environment for the University community. The University of Connecticut is an AA/EEO Employer.

Advertised:
Oct 29 2025 Eastern Daylight Time.