Deep Pelagic Biologist - 141336

University of California San Diego; San Diego, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 75,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

UC San Diego seeks a Deep Pelagic Biologist to support integrative oceanography research. You will work under the PI, managing fieldwork, sample processing, and data analysis, including collaboration with FIU. The role emphasizes meticulous record-keeping, safety, and contributions to teaching and outreach.

The position involves evenings/weekends and potential travel, with a focus on laboratory and field activities across diverse deep-sea projects.

Qualifications

• Extensive research experience with deep pelagic scientific techniques aboard seagoing research vessels.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data processing and computing software (R, PRIMER, Word and Excel).
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of marine biology and ecology, especially deep pelagic environments.

Responsibilities

• Undertake planning and execution of diverse deep-sea biological projects, including seagoing fieldwork and data collection.
• Collaborate with PI and FIU colleagues on speciation and genetic analyses of deep-pelagic crustaceans.
• Train students and provide leadership to maintain a safe, organized research environment.

Skills

Deep pelagic fieldwork

Lab upkeep & safety

Taxonomic knowledge

Data analysis

Verbal communication

Written communication

R

PRIMER

Excel

Word

Tools

R

PRIMER

Excel

Word

Job description

Payroll Title: SRA 3

Department: INTEGR OCEANOGRAPHY DIV

Hiring Pay Scale: $75,448 - $86,678/year

Worksite: SIO

Appointment Type: Career

Appointment Percent: 100%

Union: RX Contract

Total Openings: 1

Work Schedule: Days, 8 hrs/day, Mon-Fri

#141336 Deep Pelagic Biologist

Filing Deadline: Wed 10/21/2026

UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment: Apply by 10/12/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.

Reassignment Applicants: Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.

DESCRIPTION

The organizing principle of the Integrative Oceanography Division (IOD) resides in a shared commitment to collaborative, interdisciplinary science. "Integrative" denotes our philosophy that multiple approaches are important in creating a better understanding of the ocean system. We take great pride in our membership of physical, biological, chemical, and geological oceanographers, climate and information scientists, data and information managers, engineers, technicians, education specialists, and administrative and management professionals. IOD distinguishes itself as a scientific home for researchers working at the boundaries of traditional academic spheres and generating growing programs in the integration of research with informatics as well as with education and public outreach. From pelagic to benthic ecology, shoreline to open ocean dynamics, and data to information systems, our research encompasses fieldwork, laboratory experimentation, and computer modeling to acquire, integrate, synthesize, and understand diverse data sets to elucidate the underlying dynamics of complex, multidimensional ocean systems.

Under minimal supervision, undertake an range of activities in support of diverse deep-sea biological research projects, working directly with the Principal Investigator (PI). Play an active role in the planning and execution of research activities, including seagoing fieldwork and data collection, conducting laboratory experiments, data analysis, statistical testing, and report writing, all while maintaining close collaboration and regular communication with the PI.

One key project will involve coordination with the Bracken-Grissom’s Laboratory at Florida International University (FIU), fostering collaboration across institutions and working on speciating and quantifying deep-pelagic crustaceans as well as preparing them for genetic analyses by FIU colleagues.

Laboratory work will largely be centered on deep pelagic animal speciation and quantification, animal dissections for trophic and biochemical analyses, and sample processing of diverse pelagic specimens collected at sea. Collaborate with diverse teams with varying skillsets, including students, postdocs and fellow researchers, and other PIs, to contribute original ideas to the field, laboratory, and synthesis phases of research in the Choy laboratory at SIO. Occasionally, standardize and innovate new research techniques and provide training to students in fieldwork, laboratory, and analysis methods. Contribute leadership to the storage, organization, and occasional provision of specimens to team members and collaborators. Contribute strongly and provide leadership in order to maintain a clean, safe, and organized research environment, while contributing to problem-solving efforts. There may also be occasional contributions to the PI’s teaching activities and participation in public-facing outreach activities.

• Occasional evenings and weekends may be required. Must be willing and able to travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Extensive research experience with deep pelagic scientific techniques aboard seagoing research vessels.
• Demonstrated experience with general laboratory upkeep, including purchasing, safely storing, and handling various chemicals and various field and lab supplies and equipment. This includes experience with carefully maintaining frozen specimen libraries in a highly-organized and detailed manner.
• Extensive research experience beyond coursework.
• Taxonomic and morphological familiarity with identifying, sorting, and dissecting diverse marine specimens, including across major groups of molluscs, fishes, crustaceans, and gelatinous animals.
• Theoretical and practical knowledge of the scientific process, with a focus on marine biology and ecology, especially in deep pelagic environments.
• Demonstrated knowledge of data processing and computing software, including the open-source scripting language R, PRIMER, and Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to contribute to the collection of biological and environmental data in the field, and the ability to maintain detailed records of fieldwork activities.
• Ability to contribute to research projects through data analysis, interpretation, and writing, in collaboration with lab members and academic supervisor.
• Ability to contribute to innovative research contributions to funded projects, including specialized research and experimental procedures, and written reports.
• Working knowledge of general laboratory equipment, including operation, maintenance, and upkeep. Specifically, experience with safely maintaining and organizing ultra-low-temperature freezers.
• Ability to maintain careful records of research activities, to be used by others. Must be detail-oriented.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, as well as strong and professional interpersonal skills, including diplomacy, tact, resourcefulness, and respectfulness.
• Ability to work with diverse groups of students, researchers, and technicians with variable levels of skills and experience in both the laboratory and the field, specifically in seagoing environments.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.
• Must be willing to work with hazardous materials.

Pay Transparency Act

Annual Full Pay Range: $75,449 - $121,324 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)

Hourly Equivalent: $36.13 - $58.11

Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).

If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.

To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community.

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.

For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination

UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.

Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer. a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant’s previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC’s policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace

Prospective employees who are ordinarily residents in Iran or who are physically located in Iran are generally not eligible to for employment per suspension of General License G on 24 August 2026. If you have ever resided in Iran or have an Iranian passport and would like to confirm your eligibility, please contact [e-mail] for consideration of your particular circumstances.