Ocean Technology Postdoctoral Research Fellowship

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About Mote Marine Laboratory

Mote is one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories, with 38 research units, more than 45 PhD-level scientists and over 400 staff across its main campus in Sarasota and additional campuses and facilities.

The role

Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking a postdoctoral research fellow for the Mote Ocean Technology Research Program. This position will assist Mote in moving to the next level of innovation in autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, the next generation of robotics and sensor development, use of artificial intelligence and swarm model algorithms, and citizen science beach condition reporting that will together serve as a new Mote Ocean Technology Center of Excellence.

Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are three-year positions providing 100% salary support, funding assistance for equipment/supplies and travel, and office and laboratory space, with mentorship from cross-discipline Mote scientists. Fellows are expected to conduct and build their own program, distinct from existing Mote research programs. Exemplary Fellows have been invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.

Responsibilities

• Assist Mote leadership in establishing the program vision and goals and guiding program finances
• Actively secure external funding by writing, submitting, and acquiring competitive research grants, including government and philanthropic funding proposals
• Represent Mote at professional forums
• Ensure that all funding deliverables are achieved efficiently and effectively
• Collaborate across Mote’s campuses and with national and international partners, including the Mote Artificial Intelligence Marine Science (AIMS) Center
• Oversee technicians, student interns, and volunteers

Qualifications and experience

• PhD in a related discipline awarded within the last 5 years; applicants with a firm expectation of graduation in 2026 will also be considered
• 1 to 3 years of marine technology research or engineering experience (preferred)

Salary and benefits

An expected initial annual salary of approximately $70,000 (negotiable depending on experience), health insurance with family options, an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, and paid leave for holidays, illness, and vacation.

Location and schedule

Full-time, in person at Mote’s main laboratory, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL.

Deadline and how to apply

Review of applications will begin November 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is awarded. Email the following to jmartin@mote.org: a cover letter addressed to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy, including present employment status; an academic transcript of doctoral studies; a copy of the PhD or expected graduation date; a curriculum vitae; a two-page essay describing intended research focus and proposed mentors; three representative journal publications; and names and contact information for three references. Questions can be sent to kclaridge@mote.org.