Senior Ocean Science Program Manager (Chief Scientist)

Responsibilities

• Manage the overall program to ensure successful, on-time, within-budget completion of all tasks and deliverables to agreed-upon quality standards
• Provide interface with high-level NOAA and government officials to ensure program satisfaction and alignment with agency strategic priorities
• Apply advanced scientific principles, theories, and concepts to develop original technical approaches for ocean observing and acidification programs
• Develop or direct the development of solutions to complex technical problems where little or no precedent exists and innovation is required
• Lead senior-level engagement with NOAA Federal Program Officers and international scientific bodies, including representation at interagency and global ocean observing committees
• Direct development and review of scientific content for strategic communications, congressional reporting (FOARAM Act), and public-facing materials
• Oversee integration of regional oceanographic and biogeochemical databases and forecasting models into NOAA's operational modeling frameworks
• Guide establishment of unified data quality control standards and measurement methodologies through coordinated technical working groups
• Supervise Subject Matter Experts and project management staff; ensure deliverables meet federal compliance standards and acceptance criteria
• Lead development of long-term strategic plans and program roadmaps for OAP and GOMO program leadership review and approval

Requirements

• S or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical field (Oceanography, Marine Science, Atmospheric Science, or closely related discipline preferred)
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance
• 15+ years of total experience
• 10+ years of professional experience managing complex programs and projects

Desired

• Demonstrated experience leading international scientific coordination efforts and representing programs at senior governmental forums
• Expert-level knowledge of ocean acidification science, carbon cycle research, and global ocean observing systems (e.g., Argo, GO-SHIP)
• Recognized internally and externally as an authority in an ocean science or related technical specialty
• Experience navigating federal grant lifecycle processes, including NOFOs, proposal review panels, and post-award reporting
• Exceptional scientific writing and communication skills; proven ability to translate technical findings for diverse audiences
• Experience supporting or leading compliance with the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act

Work Schedule and Location

Work Schedule: Full-time remote position, Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with occasional travel.

Qualifications

• Required: S or Ph.D. in a relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical field (Oceanography, Marine Science, Atmospheric Science, or closely related discipline preferred)
• Required: Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance
• Required: 15+ years of total experience
• Required: 10+ years of professional experience managing complex programs and projects

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Holiday Pay
• Paid Time Off