Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biological Oceanography at Gulf of Maine Research Institute

Portland, Maine, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Mar, 26

Salary

69000.0

Posted On

19 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Marine Ecology, Biological Oceanography, Marine Carbon Cycling, Numerical Modeling, Statistical Analysis, Field Work, Sampling Techniques, Programming Languages, R, Written Communication, Oral Communication, Team Collaboration, Grant Proposals, Research Execution, Project Coordination, Mentoring

Industry

Research Services

Description

Description JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biological Oceanography SUPERVISOR: Dr. Jérôme Pinti Pay Grade: 7 Starting Salary Range: $64,000-$69,000 Overview: The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more, visit gmri.org. GMRI is currently seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Biological Oceanography Lab. The Postdoctoral Researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Jérôme Pinti and collaborate with a team of scientists at GMRI and other institutions to examine the role of fish in the Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Maine. Fish-mediated flux (i.e., respiration, fecal pellets, and carcasses) is now widely recognized to account for a substantial part of total carbon export (between 10 and 30% of the export, depending on regions). However, the magnitude and variability of these fluxes in the Gulf of Maine are still not well understood. Here, using a combination of lab measurements, field sampling, and numerical modeling, the Postdoctoral Research Associate will dive deeper into the role of forage fish fecal pellets in the Gulf of Maine (regional production, sinking speed, and degradation rates), to obtain estimates of fish-mediated gravitational export and its spatio-temporal variations. The successful candidate will have a background in marine ecology and/or biological oceanography, and a deep understanding of marine carbon cycling and biological processes. The candidate should have experience in numerical modeling and/or statistical analysis, should be able to work relatively independently, and must demonstrate a strong record of producing high-quality scientific manuscripts. The incumbent is encouraged to explore other projects and proposals in line with his interests and expertise, the interests of the Biological Oceanography Lab, and contributing to GMRI’s Strategic Plan. The preferred start date is May 1, 2026 or earlier. The position will be located primarily at GMRI (www.gmri.org) in Portland, ME; occasional travel is anticipated for field work, meetings, or conferences. The initial appointment is for one year, renewable depending on availability of funding. Responsibilities: Perform research on the Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Maine, aligned with the Biological Oceanography’s goals and GMRI’s Strategic Plan. Contribute to the effective operation of the Biological Oceanography Lab by assisting the Principal Investigator (Dr. Pinti) with research execution, project coordination, and laboratory responsibilities. Mentor an undergraduate summer intern during the summer. Taken part in field work and other activities of the Biological Oceanography Lab as appropriate. Contribute to and lead proposals to support later stages of research. Synthesize and share results in peer-reviewed scientific papers and at scientific conferences. Other General Responsibilities: Participate in project team meetings and workshops. Participate in lab and GMRI staff meetings and activities. Requirements Required Qualifications: Ph.D. in a relevant discipline, such as biological oceanography, marine ecology, fisheries biology, fisheries ecology, applied mathematics, statistics, or another field that demonstrates a strong quantitative background (e.g., modeling, spatial statistics, time-series analysis). Experience with field work including sampling techniques (e.g., zooplankton or fish sampling), small boat operation, and the ability to work off hours and in variable conditions as needed. Demonstrated experience and fluency in relevant programming languages (e.g., R). Strong written and oral communication skills, as evidenced through publications in the peer reviewed scientific literature and presentation of results to a variety of audiences. Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. Eligible to work in the United States. Other Preferred Qualifications: Experience working on the Biological Carbon Pump. Experience crafting grant proposals. Diversity and Inclusion: The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms, conditions, processes, and benefits of employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. GMRI's employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, family status, veteran status, or any other classification protected by law. Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary, will be kept confidential and separate from your application data, and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind. Salary and Benefits: Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package. To Apply: All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. Questions about the job description can be addressed to Dr. Pinti, jpinti@gmri.org. The deadline to submit applications is February 28th, 2026.

Responsibilities

The Postdoctoral Research Associate will perform research on the Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Maine and contribute to the effective operation of the Biological Oceanography Lab. Responsibilities include mentoring an undergraduate intern, participating in field work, and leading proposals to support research.