Marine Ecology Researcher

#140444 SRA 2

Filing Deadline:
Thu 8/6/2026

UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 07/28/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants:
Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

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.

B.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 Indo Pacific 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 CO2

SYS 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.

Occasional travel to tropical Pacific locations required, 1-2 week durations. Field work will require working under cold and wet…