Coastal Ocean Research Scientist – AER

MPOWIR Mentoring Physical Oceanography Women to Increase Retention; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive wage and benefits package

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

A leading environmental research organization in Lexington, MA seeks a Coastal Ocean Research Scientist to lead its coastal ocean program and advance research in oceanography and meteorology. The ideal candidate will have a PhD, extensive experience in coastal ocean modeling, and strong collaborative skills. This position offers a competitive salary and opportunities for impactful research and leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience in coastal ocean modeling is required.
• Experience with coastal ocean datasets and data assimilation methods is desirable.
• Ability to lead an externally-funded research program.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to AER’s coastal ocean program.
• Collaborate with other scientists in research efforts.
• Develop and execute an externally funded research program.

Skills

Coastal ocean modeling

Strong oral and written communication skills

Leadership experience

Education

PhD in oceanic and related sciences

Job description

Atmospheric and Environmental Research, Inc. (AER) invites applications for a Coastal Ocean Research Scientist position to be filled as soon as possible at our Lexington, MA office. The selected candidate is expected to lead AER’s coastal ocean program and to contribute to and expand current AER efforts in oceanography, meteorology, climate, and remote sensing, with a focus on the coastal zone. Various aspects of coastal oceanography (physics, biogeochemistry, ecosystem dynamics, fisheries, etc.), and both short and long timescales, are all of interest. The position will provide opportunities to collaborate with a broad group of scientists at AER and other prestigious research institutions across the country. As part of Verisk Analytics, AER’s practice of environmental science supports a broader mission of risk management, and the position affords opportunities to help shape the assessment and mitigation of societal risks across insurance, energy, agriculture, and other commercial sectors.

Overview

AER seeks a scientist to lead the coastal ocean program and advance efforts across oceanography, meteorology, climate, and remote sensing, with emphasis on the coastal zone. The role involves collaboration with internal and external researchers and supports risk-related applications through Verisk Analytics.

Responsibilities

• Lead and contribute to AER’s coastal ocean program, including research in coastal oceanography (physics, biogeochemistry, ecosystem dynamics, fisheries, etc.) across short and long timescales.
• Collaborate with a broad group of scientists at AER and partner institutions.
• Develop and execute an externally funded research program; publish in peer‑reviewed journals; develop a personal and team research agenda.
• Apply strong technical skills to coastal ocean modeling; integrate coastal ocean datasets and data assimilation methods when applicable.
• Communicate results clearly and effectively; contribute to team-building in a competitive R&D environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum requirements: PhD in oceanic and related sciences.
• Experience in coastal ocean modeling is required.
• Experience with coastal ocean datasets and data assimilation methods is desirable.
• Ability to work independently, publish in peer‑reviewed literature, and develop a research agenda.
• Ability to lead an externally-funded research program; strong technical and communication skills; and effective leadership and teamwork abilities.

Required

• Research experience in coastal oceanography
• Technical capabilities in coastal ocean modeling
• Leadership experience and/or capability
• Strong oral and written communication skills

Desired

• Experience with coastal zone datasets and assimilation methods
• Familiarity with aspects of coastal modeling (physics, biogeochemistry, ecosystems)
• Working knowledge of coupled modeling, nesting, and high-resolution setups
• Research experience in sea level variability and change
• Experience with research in high-latitude coastal zones
• Strong connections with coastal ocean research groups and the broader community

Benefits and Application

• AER offers a competitive wage and benefits package.
• AER is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
• As a federal contractor, AER welcomes priority referrals of protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.
• Please apply online at https://careers.verisk.com/joblist.html?displaymode=-4.1020.

About AER

Atmospheric and Environmental Research (AER) helps businesses and governments better anticipate and manage climate and weather-related risks. AER supports government agencies, insurance, energy, and investment sectors with climate science and weather information. AER is headquartered in Lexington, Massachusetts and is a subsidiary of Verisk Analytics. For more information visit www.aer.com.