Deep Pelagic Biologist

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment:
Apply by 10/12/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants:
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The organizing principle of the Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD) resides in a shared commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary science. "Integrative" denotes our philosophy that multiple approaches are important in creating a better understanding of the ocean system. We take great pride in our membership of physical, biological, chemical, and geological oceanographers, climate and information scientists, data and information managers, engineers, technicians, education specialists, and administrative and management professionals.

IOD distinguishes itself as a scientific home for researchers working at the boundaries of traditional academic spheres and generating growing programs in the integration of research with informatics as well as with education and public outreach. From pelagic to benthic ecology, shoreline to open ocean dynamics, and data to information systems, our research encompasses fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and computer modeling to acquire, integrate, synthesize, and understand diverse data sets to elucidate the underlying dynamics of complex, multidimensional ocean systems.

Under minimal supervision, undertake an range of activities in support of diverse deep-sea biological research projects, working directly with the Principal Investigator (PI). Play an active role in the planning and execution of research activities, including seagoing fieldwork and data collection, conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, statistical testing, and report writing, all while maintaining close collaboration and regular communication with the PI.

One key project will involve coordination with the Bracken-Grissom's Laboratory at Florida International University (FIU), fostering collaboration across institutions and working on speciating and quantifying deep-pelagic crustaceans as well as preparing them for genetic analyses by FIU colleagues.

Laboratory work will largely be centered on deep pelagic animal speciation and quantification, animal dissections for trophic and biochemical analyses, and sample processing of diverse pelagic specimens collected laborate with diverse teams with varying skillsets, including students, postdocs and fellow researchers, and other PIs, to contribute original ideas to the field, laboratory, and synthesis phases of research in the Choy laboratory asionally, standardize and innovate new research techniques and provide training to students in fieldwork, laboratory, and analysis methods.

Contribute leadership to the storage, organization, and occasional provision of specimens to team members and collaborators. Contribute strongly and provide leadership in order to maintain a clean, safe, and organized research environment, while contributing to problem-solving efforts. There may also be occasional contributions to the PI's teaching activities and participation in public-facing outreach activities.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Must be willing and able to travel.

• Extensive research experience with deep pelagic scientific techniques aboard seagoing research vessels.
• Demonstrated experience with general laboratory upkeep, including purchasing, safely storing, and handling various chemicals and various field and lab supplies and equipment. This includes experience with carefully maintaining frozen specimen libraries in a highly-organized and detailed manner.
• Extensive research experience beyond coursework.
• Taxonomic and morphological familiarity with identifying, sorting, and dissecting diverse marine specimens, including across major groups of molluscs, fishes, crustaceans, and gelatinous animals.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of the scientific process, with a focus on marine biology and ecology, especially in deep pelagic environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data processing and computing software, including the open-source scripting language R, PRIMER, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to contribute to the collection of biological and environmental data in the field, and the ability to maintain detailed records of fieldwork activities.
• Ability to contribute to research projects through data analysis, interpretation, and writing, in collaboration…