Expedition Leader

FHLB Des Moines; Olympia (WA); Hybrid; USD 78,000 - 86,000; Full time

Job summary

The School of Oceanography at the University of Washington invites applications for an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to join SEASAM. This role supports seagoing and shore-based operations, seafloor sampling, instrument development, QA/QC, and education/outreach across multidisciplinary marine science cruises.

The successful candidate will collaborate with operations management, shipboard technicians, and shore-based coordinators to ensure safe, efficient execution of field

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and 2 years' experience supporting seafloor sampling operations and instrumentation.
• Experience with jumbo piston coring and deep ocean dredging on vessels of the US Academic Research Fleet.
• Ability to develop and maintain SOPs and operational procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work in multidisciplinary teams.
• Willingness to travel domestically and internationally, including extended shipboard deployments.
• Experience mentoring junior staff, technicians, students, or visiting researchers.

Responsibilities

• Lead shipboard deployment of coring and dredging equipment and maintain sampling sensors and tracking systems at sea.
• Collaborate with Operations Manager on equipment maintenance and upgrades.
• Contribute to SOP development, deck plans, and overboarding workflows.
• Engage in education and outreach activities and participate in technical planning forums.
• Travel internationally as needed to evaluate and learn technologies used by partner institutions.

Skills

Team collaboration

Communication skills

SOP development

QA/QC workflows

Mentoring

Travel (domestic/international)

Shipboard operations

Seafloor sampling

Education

Bachelor's degree in relevant field

2 years' field experience

Tools

UNOLS Appendix A/B familiarity

Multibeam sonar

Sub-bottom profiling

Coring equipment maintenance

Job description

Job Description

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for an expedition leader (Research Scientist/Engineer 2) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Operations Manager for SEASAM, the Research Scientist/Engineer 2 (RSE 2) supports seagoing and shore-based operations related to seafloor sampling, instrument development, data quality control, education/outreach, and multidisciplinary marine science cruises. This position works closely with operations management, scientific staff, shipboard technical teams, and shore-based coordinators to ensure safe, efficient, and high-quality execution of field programs and associated technical workflows.

Key Responsibilities

• Shipboard Support (40%): Lead safe and effective shipboard deployment of a wide variety of coring and dredging equipment on a breadth of Academic Research Fleet and other platforms. Maintain sampling equipment and associated sensors and track systems in working order at sea. Contribute to the collection and analysis of seafloor characterization data for site selection on an as‑needed basis, utilizing working familiarity with multibeam sonar and sub‑bottom profiling technologies. Support sampling process quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) in collaboration with the Operations Manager, Repository Coordinator, and Data Coordinator (shore‑based or onboard). Mentor new technicians and support onboarding of principal investigators (PIs) and technical staff. As necessary, assist other scientific and technical teams during multi‑disciplinary cruises, including but not limited to OBS deployments, Jason operations, and related work.
• Inventory Maintenance (30%): Collaborate with the Operations Manager to establish equipment maintenance, repair, and development priorities. Identify and implement equipment improvements, such as enhanced coupler bolts, camera mountings, and other hardware upgrades.
• Cruise Planning (15%): Understand the operation of seafloor sampling devices and associated instrumentation, and contribute to development of standard operating procedures (SOPs) for their use. Maintain a working knowledge of UNOLS Appendix A and B and their implications for the overboarding and operation of sampling devices. Collaborate with ship seagoing technicians on deck plans, overboarding workflows, and deck operations coordination.
• Professional Development (10%): Participate in educational workshops and technical trainings as required. Participate in technical meetings, including RVTECH and related planning forums. Travel internationally as needed to learn about, evaluate, and understand technologies and workflows used by partner institutions and programs.
• Education and Outreach (5%): Work with the Impact Manager to develop educational and outreach materials for classrooms, workshops, and public engagement activities. Participate in outreach activities, including live ship‑to‑classroom Zoom sessions, demonstrations, and educational activities.

Required Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications Applicants who do not meet these qualifications WILL NOT be forwarded to the Hiring Manager.

• Bachelor's degree in relevant scientific, engineering or technical field, and 2 years’ experience supporting seafloor sampling operations and associated instrumentation, including jumbo piston coring and deep ocean dredging, experience working on vessels of the US Academic Research Fleet.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team-based, multidisciplinary environments.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to develop and maintain SOPs, documentation, and operational procedures.
• Ability to work safely and effectively in shipboard and field environments.
• Willingness and ability to travel domestically and internationally, including extended shipboard deployments.
• Ability to participate in outreach, training, and technical coordination activities.
• Familiarity with multibeam sonar, sub‑bottom profiling, and seafloor characterization methods.
• Experience with QA/QC workflows for sample handling and data management.
• Experience mentoring junior staff, technicians, students, or visiting researchers.
• Knowledge of UNOLS operational guidance, including Appendix A and Appendix B.
• Experience collaborating with shipboard technicians, shore‑based coordinators, and external partner institutions.
• Experience contributing to educational or public outreach programming.

Working Conditions

• This position may require extended periods at sea, including overnight and multiweek cruises for typically at least 3 and up to 6 months of the year.
• Work may involve physically demanding tasks, changing weather conditions, and shipboard safety requirements.
• The role requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving operational priorities.

Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum: $78,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum: $86,400.00 annual

Other Compensation: - Benefits: For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift: First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular? This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent): 100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit: UAW

Research About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives – on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem‑solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all. As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or [e-mail].

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.