Science Program Officer

Overview

Ocean

X is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through science and education, we’re building a paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our work leverages exploration, research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Ocean

X is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

Ocean

X is seeking a Science Program Officer to drive scientific missions aboard the research vessel Ocean Xplorer. Reporting to the Ocean

X co-CEO on all science-related matters, this role will shape and manage the science program. The Science Program Officer will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team spanning science, media, education, and marine operations, and will liaise with the global scientific and ocean exploration communities.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with external research organizations to identify, evaluate, and develop missions that are scientifically significant and aligned with Ocean

X’s mission. With team support, the Science Program Officer will contribute across the full mission lifecycle—from ideation and proposal review to planning, execution, and post-mission evaluation—ensuring each expedition delivers meaningful scientific impact and storytelling value.

Ocean

X operates in an entrepreneurial environment that values team players who can manage priorities and work streams simultaneously. To thrive, you should demonstrate humility, curiosity, and openness to new ideas. You must be hardworking, composed, and goal oriented. All employees are expected to be honest, excited about providing and receiving objective feedback, and committed to excellence.

Position Location: New York City, NY

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as expedition coordinator onboard the vessel, overseeing all elements of scientific missions
• Act as Head of Scientific Operations onboard, ensuring scientific missions are effectively executed
• Lead outreach to scientific and ocean exploration communities to build strategic alliances and partnerships in alignment with Ocean
  
  X Partnerships
• Evaluate and recommend science mission proposals in collaboration with Digital Programs, Partnerships, and Education teams
• Manage communications on scientific programs and mission outputs with internal Digital Programs/Marketing & Communication teams and external partners (pre-mission, on-mission, and post-mission reporting)
• Oversee planning and logistics to ensure timely delivery of mission enablers (permitting, scientific equipment, and supplies)
• Direct onboard science and technical teams to ensure missions have the necessary resources and capabilities for success
• Develop and maintain budgets for science operations and projects
• Oversee Science team resources, including contractors, consultants, and onshore/offshore personnel
• Willingness to spend extended periods at sea, with travel up to 35% of the year
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration
• Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases
• Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Professional
  
  Experience:
• Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related scientific field
• 7+ years of experience in a comparable organization or domain (e.g., marine research, exploration, conservation, or science operations)
• Proven experience coordinating or managing offshore missions, field-based research, or marine operations, with a strong professional network in the ocean science or exploration community
• Background in marine science, oceanography, or related fieldwork; direct experience with oceanographic expeditions strongly preferred
• Demonstrated success planning and executing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in dynamic environments

• Personal Attributes:
• Determined, resourceful and practical with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude
• Agility with a track record of delivering results
• Organized, reliable, and meticulous
• Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
• Strong interpersonal and communication…