Director of Research

Company Description

Downeast Institute is a non-profit marine research institute, education center, and shellfish research and production hatchery that serves as the Marine Science Field Station of the University of Maine ated on Great Wass Island in Beals, Maine, it is the easternmost marine research facility in the United States, offering a distinctive rural coldwater setting for scientific work. The institute provides state-of-the-art facilities, including an ocean acidification laboratory and deep-water access, supporting diverse marine science projects.

Downeast Institute enriches learning for youth, university students, and visitors through hands‑on science education programs and an experiential classroom. It also cultures commercially important shellfish seed, helping restore coastal ecosystems and create economic opportunities for fishermen, aquaculturists, and other coastal entrepreneurs in Maine and beyond.

The Director of Research is a full‑time, on‑site role based in Beals, ME, responsible for leading and expanding Downeast Institute’s marine research portfolio. This position oversees the design, implementation, and analysis of research projects in marine science, with particular focus on shellfish, coastal ecosystems, and ocean conditions, including ocean acidification. The Director will supervise and mentor research staff, postdoctoral researchers, students, and visiting scientists, ensuring high‑quality scientific output and safe, efficient lab and field operations.

Daily activities include managing research programs and budgets, coordinating use of laboratories and hatchery facilities, maintaining data management and quality assurance processes, and preparing grant proposals, reports, and peer‑reviewed publications. The role also involves collaborating with academic partners and coastal stakeholders, participating in outreach and education initiatives, and representing the institute at scientific meetings, community events, and partner institutions.

• Advanced expertise in marine science or a related field (e.g., marine biology, fisheries science, oceanography), typically demonstrated by a Ph.D. or equivalent experience, with a strong record of research in coastal or shellfish‑related systems.
• Proficiency in experimental design, field and laboratory methods, and quantitative data analysis, including experience managing complex research projects and maintaining rigorous data and quality control standards.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills, including supervising staff and students, fostering an inclusive and safe workplace, and coordinating interdisciplinary research efforts.
• Strong scientific communication abilities, including writing grant proposals, technical reports, and peer‑reviewed publications, and presenting findings to scientific, stakeholder, and public audiences.
• Experience in research program administration, including project budgeting, scheduling, compliance with institutional and regulatory requirements, and effective use of specialized facilities such as hatcheries and analytical laboratories.
• Ability to engage collaboratively with universities, government agencies, community organizations, and coastal industry partners, and to contribute to education and outreach.