Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist

UC San Diego; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 64,000 - 93,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego's Marine Physical Laboratory seeks a Specialist (Assistant/Associate/Full) in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics to lead and coordinate collaborative research programs. The role emphasizes development of research concepts, proposals, and coordination across teams.

The position includes data analysis, manuscript development, and dissemination of findings, with opportunities to lead multidisciplinary efforts and engage with sponsors and partners.

Qualifications

• Master's degree (or equivalent) or a Ph.D. in Oceanography required.
• Candidates with a Master's degree are eligible to apply only for the Assistant or Associate Specialist ranks.
• Candidates with a Ph.D. are eligible to apply for any rank; the Full Specialist rank requires a Ph.D.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and organizational leadership for research projects in ocean acoustics and marine bioacoustics.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary research teams and communication among investigators, technical personnel, sponsors, and partners.
• Prepare and contribute to research proposals, project reports, and technical documentation.
• Oversee project budgets, expenditures, and planning in coordination with administrative staff and PIs.
• Contribute to data analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of results across project components.
• Publish and edit peer‑reviewed manuscripts and other scientific writings.
• Present findings through publications, reports, presentations, and workshops.
• Engage in professional activities and public service related to ocean acoustics and bioacoustics.

Skills

Ocean acoustics

Marine bioacoustics

Passive acoustic monitoring

Scientific writing

Project coordination

Education

Master's degree in Oceanography

Ph.D. in Oceanography

Job description

Position overview

Position title:

Assistant, Associate, or Full Specialist

Salary range:

Salary range: A reasonable salary range estimate for this position is $63,500 - $93,200.

The posted UC academic salary scales set the minimum pay determined by rank and/or step at appointment.

See the following table for the salary scales for the position:

Specialist

Application Window

Open date: September 4, 2026

Next review date: Saturday, Sep 19, 2026 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Apply by this date to ensure full consideration by the committee.

Final date: Saturday, Sep 4, 2027 at 11:59pm (Pacific Time)

Applications will continue to be accepted until this date, but those received after the review date will only be considered if the position has not yet been filled.

Position 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)

Department

https://scripps.ucsd.edu/mpl

Qualifications

Basic qualifications (required at time of application)

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.

Additional qualifications (required at time of start)

• Demonstrated experience in ocean acoustics, marine bioacoustics, passive acoustic monitoring, or a closely related area.
• Experience contributing to the planning, coordination, and execution of scientific research projects.
• Demonstrated experience in scientific or technical writing, including preparation of research reports, proposals, publications, or comparable scientific products.
• Demonstrated record of professional activity and University and/or public service relevant to the candidate's area of expertise.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience coordinating multidisciplinary or multi-institutional research projects.
• Experience developing research proposals and contributing to externally funded research programs.
• Experience with project budgeting, financial tracking, and coordination of research resources.
• Experience with underwater acoustic data analysis, acoustic instrumentation, ocean observing systems, or associated analytical approaches.
• Strong record of scientific publication and demonstrated experience in manuscript development, writing, and editing.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills and demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively among investigators, research staff, collaborators, sponsors, and administrative personnel.

Application Requirements

Document requirements

• Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated C.V.
• Cover Letter (Optional)
• Statement of Research
• List of Publications - Include a current list of publications (Optional)

Reference requirements

• 3 required (contact information only)

Please provide contact information (e.g. home institution, email, website, etc.)

Apply link: https://apol-recruit.ucsd.edu/JPF04635

Help contact: [e-mail]

About UC San Diego

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.

As a university employee, you will be required to comply with all applicable University policies and/or collective bargaining agreements, as may be amended from time to time. Federal, state, or local government directives may impose additional requirements.

The University of California prohibits smoking and tobacco use at all of its university-controlled properties.

The UC San Diego Annual Security & Fire Safety Report is available online at: https://www.police.ucsd.edu/docs/annualclery.pdf. This report provides crime and fire statistics, as well as institutional policy statements & procedures. Contact the UC San Diego Police Department at [phone] if you want to obtain paper copies of this report.

As a condition of employment, the finalist will be required to disclose if they are subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct, are currently being investigated for misconduct, left a position during an investigation for alleged misconduct, or have filed an appeal with a previous employer.

* "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies or laws governing conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies or laws prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, discrimination, dishonesty, or unethical conduct, as defined by the employer.

* UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000385/SVSH

* UC Anti-Discrimination Policy for Employees, Students and Third Parties: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

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Job location

San Diego, CA