Postdoctoral Fellow HAB

Florida Atlantic University; United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Florida Atlantic University’s Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute seeks a Postdoctoral Fellow to conduct coupled physical-biogeochemical modeling of HABs in subtropical estuaries. You will collaborate with HBOI and University of Georgia to study key processes driving phytoplankton blooms and ecosystem responses, with a focus on water quality and seagrass in a changing climate.

The position, based at FAU Harbor Branch in Fort Pierce, FL, is funded for two years with possible extension; duties

Qualifications

• Ph.D. from an accredited institution by time of application
• Strong mathematical skills and significant programming experience
• Significant experience in numerical modeling and familiarity with ocean models (ROMS, POM, FVCOM)

Responsibilities

• Develops and improves a coupled physical-biogeochemical model for Indian River Lagoon
• Performs numerical simulations, analysis of the model results, and data analysis
• Prepares research presentations, manuscripts, and proposals
• Assists in coordination between modeling, field and lab research teams and participates in field/lab work

Skills

Strong mathematical skills

Significant programming experience

Experience in numerical modeling

Education

Ph.D. in Marine Science / Oceanography / related field

Tools

Fortran

Matlab

Python

Linux

ROMS/POM/FVCOM

Job description

Position Summary

The Postdoctoral Fellow will conduct coupled physical-biogeochemical modeling to understand harmful algal blooms (HABs) in subtropical estuaries. The new hire will work with a team of scientists at HBOI and University of Georgia to examine key physical and biogeochemical processes driving the phytoplankton blooms and the selection mechanisms of dominant phytoplankton groups/species. The long-term goals are to predict future changes of water quality, phytoplankton blooms, and ecosystems including seagrass in this region under the influences of human activity and climate change. This position is located at FAU’s Harbor Branch campus in Fort Pierce, FL, and is funded by the NOAA ECOHAB program and HBOIF. The appointment will be for two years with possible extension depending on funding availability and job performance.

Primary duties and responsibilities

• Develops and improves a coupled physical-biogeochemical model for Indian River Lagoon
• Performs numerical simulations, analysis of the model results, and data analysis
• Prepares research presentations, manuscripts, and proposals

Additional duties and responsibilities

• Assists in coordination between modeling, field and lab research teams
• Participates and assists in field and/or lab work

Minimum Qualifications

• A Ph.D. from an accredited institution in Marine Science, Oceanography, or closely related fields by time of application.
• Strong mathematical skills and significant programming experience (e.g. Fortran, Matlab, Python, Linux).
• Significant experience in numerical modeling and familiar with at least one of the ocean models such as ROMS, POM, and FVCOM.
• Fundamental knowledge in coastal phytoplankton blooms, biogeochemical cycles, and/or ecosystem dynamics.

Compensation and Employment Information

Salary: $60,000 - $66,000 annually

College or Department: Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute

Location: Harbor Branch (HBOI)

Work Days and Hours: N/A

Application Deadline: 2027-12-31

Eligibility and Compliance

As required by Florida Statutes Section 1010.35, a Foreign Influence Screening may be required.

Background Screening Requirements

Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.

Employer Information

Florida Atlantic University is Where Tomorrow Begins. As a nationally recognized Carnegie R1 research institution and one of only 13 universities nationwide to also hold Carnegie designations for Opportunity and Community Engagement, Florida Atlantic is advancing discovery, driving economic growth, and preparing graduates to lead in a rapidly changing world. As South Florida's Hometown University, Florida Atlantic serves as a destination for learning, culture, athletics, and community engagement. Through NCAA Division I athletics, world-class performing arts and cultural events, public lectures, gallery exhibitions, environmental education programs, and one of the nation's largest Osher Lifelong Learning Institutes, Florida Atlantic welcomes thousands of residents, visitors, and learners to its campuses each year. From inspiring environmental education programs to providing enriching experiences for retirees, professionals, families, and sports fans, Florida Atlantic is deeply connected to the communities it serves. Through these experiences and partnerships, the university helps strengthen the region's cultural vitality, workforce, economy and quality of life.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Florida Atlantic University is an equal access/equal opportunity employer that complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination.

Disability Accommodation

If you require an accommodation to participate in any part of the recruitment process, please contact Florida Atlantic’s Office of Civil Rights and Title IX at 561-297-3004 or send an email to [e-mail].

Contact Information

To contact Recruitment Services, send an e‑mail to [e-mail]. To contact Human Resources, please call 561-297-3057 or email [e-mail]. For communications assistance, call 7-1-1.

Legal and Regulatory Information

Clery Act Information Consumer Information Visit Florida Atlantic's Consumer Information page for more information about financial aid, its campus, facilities, student athletes, campus security, fire safety, as well as preventing drug and alcohol abuse. Paper copies are available upon request by contacting the Office of Student Financial Aid. Florida Statute 1010.35 - Screening Foreign Researchers Pursuant to Florida law, any applicant or student seeking employment in a research or research-related support position who is a citizen of a foreign country and not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of employment or training in China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, Cuba, Venezuela, or Syria is subject to additional screening. Applicants meeting those criteria will be required to provide the following information before any offer of employment can be made: every institution of higher education attended; all previous employment since the applicant’s 18th birthday; list of all published material, current and pending research funding from any source, including details about the research, your role, funding source, and amount; list and description of any non‑university professional activities; any affiliation with an institution or program in a foreign country. Selected applicants will be required to provide additional information per the Statute, including a complete copy of your passport; and, if available, the most recently submitted DS‑160 (Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application).