Expedition Lead, Oceanographic Field Operations

University of Washington; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Washington seeks an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to lead seagoing and shore-based operations, including seafloor sampling, instrument development, QA/QC, and outreach. The role collaborates with operations managers, shipboard staff, and shore-based coordinators to ensure safe, high-quality field program execution.

Preferred candidates will have a strong track record in multidisciplinary settings, SOP development, and international travel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a scientific, engineering, or technical field with 2 years of sea-floor sampling ops experience.
• Ability to work effectively in team-based, multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally.
• Familiarity with multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and seafloor characterization methods.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and collaborating with shipboard technicians.

Responsibilities

• Lead shipboard deployment of coring and dredging equipment.
• Maintain sampling equipment and sensors at sea.
• Contribute to site selection data analysis using multibeam sonar.
• Develop SOPs and coordinate deck operations and overboarding workflows.
• Participate in education/outreach and travel as needed.

Education

Bachelor's degree in scientific/engineering/technical field

Job description

The University of Washington seeks an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to lead seagoing and shore-based operations, including seafloor sampling, instrument development, QA/QC, and outreach. The role collaborates with operations managers, shipboard staff, and shore-based coordinators to ensure safe, high-quality field program execution.

Preferred candidates will have a strong track record in multidisciplinary settings, SOP development, and international travel.