Postdoctoral Associate

About the role

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean's sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we're building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential.

Position Summary

OceanX is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in a field related to marine biology, oceanography, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. This position combines laboratory and field-based research aboard the research vessel R/V OceanXplorer with remote, shore-based research and scientific support.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop scientific projects in collaboration with the OceanX Science Program Managers, Research Scientist, and the Chief Science Officer.
• Collect, process, analyze, and document biological and environmental samples and associated data during research expeditions.
• Operate, maintain, and help optimize laboratory facilities aboard R/V OceanXplorer, including management of consumables, equipment inventories, procurement, and laboratory safety procedures, i.e. manage the storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and other laboratory materials in accordance with applicable safety regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with guest researchers and vessel-based teams (Science, ROV, and Sub) to achieve sampling objectives and scientific project goals during scientific expeditions.
• Support external researchers with sample collection, processing, documentation, and logistics.
• Conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses of molecular and ecological datasets.
• Contribute to expedition planning, project coordination, reporting, and scientific communications.
• Develop, lead, and publish original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals in collaboration with the OceanX Science team.

Qualifications

• Professional Experience:
• Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Molecular Ecology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
• Demonstrated experience conducting independent scientific research and contributing to peer-reviewed publications, including a publication record appropriate to career stage, including first-author peer-reviewed publications.
• Experience with molecular biology and/or bioinformatic approaches relevant to marine science, including sample processing, sequencing-based analyses, and data interpretation.
• Experience analyzing and visualizing complex biological and environmental datasets using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
• Experience conducting marine fieldwork and/or working aboard research vessels.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external collaborators.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a highly collaborative team environment.
• Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities and operational complexity.
• Preferred Qualifications:
• Experience with environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, or related molecular approaches and their respective bioinformatics workflows.
• Experience supporting multidisciplinary scientific expeditions or large-scale field campaigns.
• Experience managing laboratory operations, scientific inventories, and research logistics.
• Familiarity with oceanographic sampling platforms and technologies, including CTDs, ROVs, submersibles, and autonomous systems.
• Experience collaborating with international research teams and external scientific partners.

Personal Attributes

• Determined, resourceful and practical.
• An independent, self-starter, with a "roll up your sleeves" attitude and strong work ethic.
• Agile, with a track record of getting things done.
• Organized, reliable, and meticulous.
• Able to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal).
• Comfortable with ambiguity.
• Maintains high standards.
• Highly collaborative.
• General curiosity and passion for the Ocean.