Director Marine Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Payroll Title:
SRA 2 Department:
MARINE BIOLOGY Hiring Pay Scale
$32.77 - $36.20/ Hour Worksite:
SIO Appointment Type:
Career Appointment Percent:
100% Union:
RX Contract Total Openings:
1 Work Schedule:
Days, 8 hrs/day, Mon-Fri
#140444 Marine Ecology Staff Researcher
Filing Deadline: Thu 8/6/2026
Apply Now
UC San Diego values and welcomes people from all backgrounds. If you are interested in being part of our team, possess the needed licensure and certifications, and feel that you have most of the qualifications and/or transferable skills for a job opening, we strongly encourage you to apply.
UCSD Layoff from Career Appointment : Apply by 07/28/26 for consideration with preference for rehire. All layoff applicants should contact their Employment Advisor.
Reassignment Applicants : Eligible Reassignment clients should contact their Disability Counselor for assistance.
DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW
The Marine Biology Research Division (MBRD) consists of research groups broadly in the fields of cell and developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary, and conservation biology, microbiology, and the physiology of marine organisms that encompasses more than 20 laboratories. Cell and Developmental Biology: biochemistry, functional genomics, ecotoxicology, and morphogenesis of marine invertebrates, including sea urchins, corals, and mollusks. Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology: phytoplankton ecology, coral reef ecology, evolution and development of marine invertebrates, conservation of marine organisms and habitats. Microbiology: diversity and distribution of marine viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton, including symbiosis with marine animals, biogeochemistry, secondary metabolite production, and microbial adaptations to environmental extremes and other environmental stressors. Physiology: biomechanics and locomotion, sensory biology, bioluminescence, and biochemistry of marine animals, including host-symbiont relationships.
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Under general supervision, plan, organize, and direct laboratory and field research activities at a full operational level. Perform a variety of technical laboratory and field experimental procedures to support methodological improvements to enhance ongoing research. Serve as project manager and lead research associate for the Scripps Ocean Acidification Real-time (SOAR) Monitoring Program, completing monthly field work and diving operations to ensure proper calibration and function of monitoring equipment.
QUALIFICATIONS

• B.S. Degree or equivalent combination of experience and education with knowledge of marine biology.
• Ability to identify common Pacific algae and invertebrates (temperate and tropical), including reef building coral species.
• Expertise in coral and seaweed taxonomy.
• Ability to perform taxonomic identifications using knowledge of both tropical coral and seaweed taxonomy.
• Current certification and ability to maintain American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver SCUBA certification.
• Experience operating small boats in coastal waters.
• Knowledge of safe shipboard and shore-side work procedures.
• Experience with database management, data sets, data processing, and data analysis.
• Experience reviewing scientific data sets and summarizing findings.
• Experience deploying instrumentation.
• Experience performing fieldwork along the California coast and be able to work cooperatively with a dynamic and interdisciplinary research team.
• Demonstrated experience conducting benthic community assessments using image analysis with requisite experience with IndoPacific marine species identification.
• Experience using, downloading, and troubleshooting pH, DO, PAR light intensity instrumentation such as HACH meters, HOBO data loggers, and Biospherical Instruments Inc. PAR Irradiance Sensors.
• Demonstrated understanding and experience in the use and maintenance of underwater sensors such as SeaFETs, mini DOTs, and SAMI CO2 sensors.
• Proficiency using a variety of computer software such as the Microsoft Office suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Jmp, Primer and R for data analysis, writing up results, and preparing presentations for dissemination of results.
• Demonstrated experience using bioinformatic software and programming languages (e.g., R, Python, and Unix/Linux-based workflows) to process, analyze, and interpret genomic datasets.
• Demonstrated experience updating websites.
• Demonstrated ability to use carbonate chemistry programs such as CO2SYS and use data to calibrate instruments, graph, and present the data.
• Ability to work meticulously with large data sets.
• Experience in writing research result summaries and technical reports.
• Strong time management, organizational, and follow-up skills to prioritize and complete tasks and projects within set timelines, with ability to guide others in this regard.
• Must be able to move heavy instruments, equipment, and supplies up to 40lbs.
• Ability to travel occasionally for 1-2 weeks at a time.
• Demonstrated ability to interact using tact and diplomacy with diverse personalities including academic, staff, student and volunteer employees and institutions/organizations.
• Skill in coordinating volunteer schedules with project needs. Ability to provide independent work direction and training to volunteers and other personnel working on projects and/or with programs.
• Experience advising on basic laboratory safety procedures and protocols.
• Experience in reviewing volunteer qualifications and matching volunteer skills and knowledge to project needs.
• Experience training others in the following: marine species identification; benthic image editing and analysis; herbarium collection creation, maintenance, organization, and digital cataloging; tissue sample preparation for stable isotope analysis; marine DIC water sample collection procedures; processing and decalcification of settlement tiles from coral reef environments; and field methods for collecting benthic images.
• Experience creating and updating operating procedure documents for use by others to ensure consistency of methods and data quality control throughout the life of a project.
• Experience with public speaking, presenting to large audiences, and in instructional settings for outreach, engagement, teaching, and science communication.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Occasional travel to tropical Pacific locations required, 1-2 week durations. Field work will require working under cold and wet conditions at times.
• Current American Academy of Underwater Sciences (AAUS) Scientific Diver SCUBA Certification required.
• Experience operating small boats in coastal waters. Knowledge of safe shipboard and shore-side work procedures.
• Ability to lift 40 lbs.
• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

Pay Transparency Act
Annual Full Pay Range: $68,430 - $110,078 (will be prorated if the appointment percentage is less than 100%)
Hourly Equivalent: $32.77 - $52.72
Factors in determining the appropriate compensation for a role include experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs. The Hiring Pay Scale referenced in the job posting is the budgeted salary or hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position. The Annual Full Pay Range may be broader than what the University anticipates to pay for this position, based on internal equity, budget, and collective bargaining agreements (when applicable).
Apply Now
If employed by the University of California, you will be required to comply with our Policy on Vaccination Programs, which may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.
To foster the best possible working and learning environment, UC San Diego strives to cultivate a rich and diverse environment, inclusive and supportive of all students, faculty, staff and visitors. For more information, please visit UC San Diego Principles of Community .
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
For the University of California's Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination
UC San Diego is a smoke and tobacco free environment. Please visit smokefree.ucsd.edu for more information.
Misconduct Disclosure Requirement: As a condition of employment, the final candidate who accepts an offer of employment will be required to disclose if they have been subject to any final administrative or judicial decisions within the last seven years determining that they committed any misconduct; or have filed an appeal of a finding of substantiated misconduct with a previous employer.
a. "Misconduct" means any violation of the policies governing employee conduct at the applicant's previous place of employment, including, but not limited to, violations of policies prohibiting sexual harassment, sexual assault, or other forms of harassment, or discrimination, as defined by the employer. For reference, below are UC's policies addressing some forms of misconduct:

• UC Sexual Violence and Sexual Harassment Policy
• UC Anti-Discrimination Policy
• Abusive Conduct in the Workplace