Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist

Uc-SAN-Dieg; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Marine Physical Laboratory invites applications for a Specialist at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist level in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics. The position develops, coordinates, and executes collaborative research programs focused on underwater acoustics, passive acoustic monitoring, marine bioacoustics, and related ocean observing technologies.

The Specialist will provide input into planning and executing research projects and will coordinate

Qualifications

• Master’s degree (or equivalent) or a Ph.D. in Oceanography is required.
• Ph.D. applicants eligible for Assistant/Associate Specialist; Ph.D. for Full Specialist.
• Evidence of published or in-press research is expected.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and organizational leadership for research projects in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary research teams and communications among investigators, staff, sponsors, and partners.
• Prepare research proposals, project reports, technical documentation, and other scientific products.
• Contribute to the analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of research data across project components.
• Contribute to peer‑reviewed publications through manuscript development and editing.
• Present and disseminate research findings through publications, reports, presentations, and workshops.

Skills

Ocean acoustics

Marine bioacoustics

Project coordination

Scientific writing

Education

Master’s degree (or equivalent) or a Ph.D. in Oceanography

Job description

The Marine Physical Laboratory (MPL) within the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego invites applications for a Specialist position at the Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics. The position will contribute to the development, coordination, and execution of collaborative research programs focused on underwater acoustics, passive acoustic monitoring, marine bioacoustics, and associated ocean observing technologies.

The Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist will provide substantial independent input into the planning and execution of research projects and will play a central role in coordinating multidisciplinary research activities. Responsibilities will include development of research concepts and project objectives; preparation of research proposals, technical reports, and other scientific documentation; coordination of project teams and collaborative activities; and oversight of project timelines, deliverables, and financial resources.

The position will also contribute directly to research and dissemination of research findings. This may include participation in acoustic data analysis and interpretation, synthesis of results across project components, development of scientific presentations, and substantial contributions to peer-reviewed publications, particularly through manuscript development, scientific writing, and editing.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and organizational leadership for research projects in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics, including project planning, implementation, tracking of milestones, and coordination of deliverables.
• Contribute to the development of new research concepts, collaborations, and funding opportunities.
• Prepare and contribute to research proposals, project reports, technical documentation, and other scientific products.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary research teams and communication among investigators, technical personnel, collaborators, sponsors, and partner organizations.
• Assist with oversight of project budgets, expenditures, resource allocation, and planning in coordination with administrative staff and principal investigators.
• Contribute to the analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of research data as appropriate to individual projects.
• Contribute substantially to peer-reviewed publications, including development of manuscripts and scientific writing and editing.
• Present and disseminate research findings through publications, reports, presentations, workshops, and other professional activities.
• Participate in professional activities and University and/or public service relevant to ocean acoustics, marine bioacoustics, and the research programs supported by the position.

The Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist is expected to demonstrate professional competence and activity and to contribute to the scientific and professional community in their area of expertise.

Appointment level/rank will be based on the candidate’s background and experience.

A link to the full description of the Specialist series is provided for your review: Specialist (APM-330)

Master’s degree (or equivalent) or a Ph.D. in Oceanography required.

• Candidates with a Master’s degree (or equivalent) are eligible to apply only for the Assistant or Associate Specialist ranks.
• Candidates with a Ph.D. (or equivalent research doctorate) are eligible to apply for any rank; the Full Specialist rank requires a Ph.D. (or equivalent research doctorate).
• Candidates must have a record of academic or research accomplishments that includes contributions to published or in-press research.