Research Specialist, Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing

Founded in 1987 by the late David Packard, MBARI is a nonprofit oceanographic research center advancing marine science and engineering to understand our changing ocean. Located in Moss Landing, California, the heart of the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary, MBARI offers ready access to the open ocean and deep sea. Ongoing research programs range across autonomous and remotely operated underwater vehicle systems, control technologies, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, ocean instrumentation, and information management. MBARI hosts approximately 200 employees, with shore facilities that include state-of-the-art science and engineering laboratories, manufacturing and electrical fabrication shops, and dock facilities for MBARI vessels.

MBARI has a position open for a Research Specialist or Research Technician to join the Ocean Biogeochemical Sensing (OBS) Team. The ocean is facing unprecedented changes due to human activity: temperatures are rising, ocean acidity is increasing, oxygen levels are declining, and nutrient distributions are changing. These changes could have cascading effects through the ocean ecosystem, and impact society. However, the ocean is chronically under sampled, and we are not able to effectively quantify these changes through traditional ship-board measurements. Recent developments in biogeochemical sensors combined with autonomous platforms provide a potential solution to this under sampling problem.

The main mission of the OBS team is to advance autonomous sensing technology, and help establish a sustained global network of biogeochemical profiling floats and gliders. Such an observing system will allow measurements of key biogeochemical parameters from the open ocean to the coast. This position will lead the sensor production and calibration for underwater gliders, as well as development of new biogeochemical sensors. The selected candidate will report to Yui Takeshita, and work closely with members in the OBS team and the Chemical Sensor lab.

Primary responsibilities:

• Lead development of novel biogeochemical sensors, such as for pH, nitrate, and total alkalinity
• Lead production and calibration of biogeochemical sensors for underwater gliders and shallow water moorings
• Aid underwater glider preparation, deployment, and recovery as needed
• Assess sensor performance in the field
• Present results at scientific conferences
• Hires at the research specialist level are expected to publish in peer reviewed journals

Required qualifications:

• Master’s degree or higher in Oceanography, Chemistry, Engineering, or another relevant field
• Experience and interest in developing, or working with custom sensors and/or instrumentation
• Experience designing and setting up laboratory experiments
• Strong programming skills for analyzing and visualizing laboratory and oceanographic data, preferably in Matlab
• Highly self-motivated, and strong track record of learning new skills
• Excellent communication skills, and ability to work effectively and professionally in diverse, multi-disciplinary teams across multiple institutions
• Highly organized, and capable of working independently on multiple projects simultaneously
• Experience and desire to publish in scientific journals
• Ability to safely lift 25lbs of instrumentation

Desired qualifications:

• Fundamental knowledge of oceanography
• Background in marine carbon dioxide chemistry and pH sensors
• Analytical chemistry experience and familiarity with common laboratory equipment
• Programming in Labview or similar program
• Experience presenting technical information to a range of audiences
• Basic familiarity with electronics (e.g. Arduinos)
• Ability and willingness to go to sea for specified periods, ranging from half day trips to deploy and recover instrumentation, or up to a week-long research cruise

Job Code: Specialist, OBS

Please submit a cover letter, including reference to relevant training and/or experience, and a curriculum vitae by e-mail to jobs@mbari.org, or by mail to the below address.

MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, 403B retirement plan, and paid time off, such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

MBARI is a non-profit, private oceanographic research institute, and an equal opportunity employer. MBARI considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, and local laws.

MBARI Welcomes Diversity