Research Biologist

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Milford (CT); On-site; USD 95,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Milford, CT seeks a Research Biologist to lead long-term studies on health, physiology, and sustainable cultivation of marine bivalve mollusks, applying a One Health framework to integrate data across bioenergetics, immunology, pathology, and health management.

You will direct multi-year projects, manage grants and budgets, and guide dissemination of findings to diverse stakeholders.

Job description

Open: October 15, 2026 — Closes: October 21, 2026

Summary

This position is located in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), with one vacancy in Milford, CT.

Major Duties

As a Research Biologist, you will perform the following duties: Develop, initiate, and direct, long-term research initiatives aimed at optimizing the health, physiological resilience, and sustainable cultivation of marine bivalve mollusks in the context of changing environments and emerging ecological pressures. Apply an authoritative One Health framework to synthesize complex interdisciplinary data across bioenergetics, immunology, pathology, and health management to address high-priority challenges in marine aquaculture and ecosystems. Utilize statistical and mechanistic models to extend findings to decision‑making tools for use by constituents. Serve as the principal investigator (PI) for multi‑year, complex research efforts. Oversee all phases of project lifecycles including original proposal development, multi‑institution team building, grant/budget management, experimental execution, data synthesis, and strategic dissemination of findings. Serve as a technical expert and provide authoritative recommendations and judgments on complex scientific issues to agency leadership, internal and external stakeholders. Establish and maintain high‑level strategic partnerships across government agencies, academic institutions, non‑governmental organizations, and commercial aquaculture sectors to align research priorities with regional and national goals. Author peer‑reviewed scientific publications, technical reports, and comprehensive guidance briefings. Present findings at major scientific conferences and national forums. Provide peer review and editorial expertise for scientific journals, serve on scientific advisory panels, and lead professional committee initiatives. Oversee and integrate multi‑disciplinary research projects, setting strategic priorities, managing resource allocations, and directing project schedules to ensure technical excellence and strategic alignment. NOTE: These duties are described at the Full Performance Level of the ZP‑4, the ZP‑3 is developmental leading to such performance. POSITION REQUIREMENTS: This position has physical requirements. May perform strenuous manual duties such as lifting heaving sampling equipment. Must be able to lift and carry 20-25lbs. unassisted. This position requires the incumbent to obtain and maintain a valid state driver's license and the operation of a Federal motor vehicle to interact with hatcheries, attend meetings, and access field sites. CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: The incumbent may perform duties at sea during inclement but not hazardous weather conditions. Throughout the recruitment and hiring process we will be communicating with you via email; therefore, it is imperative that the email address you provide when applying for this vacancy remains active. Should your email address change, please notify the point of contact identified in the vacancy announcement as soon as possible so that we can update our system.