Research Associate III

Job Summary

The Research Associate III will serve as a core member of a multidisciplinary research team focused on ocean sensing, marine ecology, and conservation technology. Day-to-day operations span three interconnected areas: maintaining and expanding a network of real-time whale detection systems across the northeastern United States; planning and executing field campaigns to measure dissolved dimethyl sulfide (DMS) in marine environments; and supporting the full lifecycle of biologging instrument development, from bench prototyping through animal-borne deployment and data recovery. The role is field-intensive, with regular travel to coastal and offshore sites, and requires close coordination with collaborators, vessel operators, and regulatory stakeholders.

Job Description

• Lab Management, Field Preparation, Data Analysis & Publications

• Oversee day-to-day laboratory operations, including equipment maintenance, supply procurement, safety compliance, and supervision of junior staff, students, and visiting researchers
• Lead the planning and logistical preparation of field seasons, including scheduling, permitting, equipment readiness checks, shipping, and coordination with field partners and vessel operators
• Conduct quantitative data analysis across projects using scripting languages (Python), including statistical modeling, signal processing, and geospatial analysis as appropriate
• Take a lead role in the preparation of peer-reviewed publications, from study design and analysis through drafting, revision, and submission, and contribute as co-author on collaborative manuscripts
• Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
• Maintain organized, well-documented data repositories and ensure reproducibility of analytical workflows
• Whale Detection Systems
• Lead installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance of real-time whale detection systems at sites across the northeastern U.S., including offshore platforms, buoys, and coastal infrastructure
• Coordinate with port authorities, vessel operators, offshore energy developers, and regulatory agencies to facilitate deployments and data-sharing agreements
• Troubleshoot field hardware and software issues, including acoustic sensors, embedded computing systems, satellite and cellular communications, and power systems
• Maintain detailed deployment logs, service records, and system performance metrics
• Contribute to detection algorithm validation and data quality assurance
• Dimethyl Sulfide (DMS) Field Measurements
• Plan and execute field campaigns to measure dissolved and atmospheric DMS concentrations in reef and open-ocean environments
• Operate and maintain analytical instrumentation for trace-gas measurement
• Collect, process, and archive water samples and environmental metadata following established protocols
• Collaborate with co-investigators on experimental design and lead data analysis and manuscript preparation
• Biologger Development, Testing & Deployment
• Lead the design and fabrication of biologging tags for marine wildlife, including electronics assembly, sensor integration, encapsulation, and bench sing
• Conduct laboratory and field trials of prototype biologgers, documenting performance under realistic operating conditions
• Support animal-borne sensor deployments, including equipment preparation, fieldwork logistics, and tag recovery operations
• Perform data offloading, processing, and archival from recovered biologgers
• Maintain organized inventory of parts, tools, and field equipment

Required Experience & Education

• PhD degree in mechanical engineering, marine science, electrical engineering, environmental science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated hands-on experience with field deployment and maintenance of oceanographic or environmental monitoring instrumentation
• Strong working knowledge of embedded systems (e.g., Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32) and data acquisition hardware
• Experience with at least one programming or scripting language (Python, or C/C++) for data processing and instrument control
• Valid driver’s license and willingness to travel regionally and internationally
• Ability to work on or near the water, including on small boats and in variable weather conditions
• Meticulous organizational skills and record-keeping practices
• Track record of contributing to peer-reviewed publications

Preferred Experience & Education

• Experience with thermal imaging for cetacean detection
• Familiarity with trace-gas analytical techniques
• Prior experience with biologging or bio-telemetry technology for marine animals
• Working knowledge of IoT communication protocols (LoRa, satellite, cellular) for remote sensing applications
• Experience with AIS data, vessel tracking systems, and maritime regulatory frameworks
• Scientific diving certification or willingness to obtain
• Boating safety certifications or significant small-vessel experience

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to lift and carry equipment weighing up to 25 lbs on a regular basis; occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be required during field deployments
• Work is moderately sedentary when in the office/lab, with extended periods of physical activity during field campaigns, including standing, bending, kneeling, and working at heights or on moving platforms
• Must be comfortable working in outdoor marine environments, including exposure to sun, wind, cold, rain, and sea spray
• Able to board and work safely on small research vessels and offshore structures
• Sea duty period includes periodic sea duty for instrument deployments, maintenance, and field sampling campaigns aboard research vessels and small boats
• Travel requirements include regular regional travel throughout the northeastern United States for system installation, maintenance, and field campaigns
• Occasional domestic travel for conferences, collaborator visits, and training
• Regular international travel may be required for field campaigns or instrument deployments at partner sites