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Full Time Underwater Research Jobs (NOW HIRING)

New York University

Research Scholar

New York, NY · On-site

$48K - $62K/yr

... to hire a full time Research Scholar. New York University (NYU) is one of the top private ... techniques, underwater robot systems, and autonomous systems, as exemplified by a strong ...

McLaughlin Research Corporation

Java Developer

Newport, RI · On-site

$51.25 - $66.25/hr

McLaughlin Research Corporation (MRC) is seeking a Java Developer who will support the Naval ... underwater systems, and offensive and defensive weapons systems associated with undersea warfare.

Whoi

Research Associate III

Clark, SD · On-site

$79K - $103K/yr

This is a full-time regular position with benefits. * Conduct independent and collaborative ... use of underwater vision profiling and sediment trap sampling * Lead and contribute to the ...

AIS, Inc.

Underwater Acoustician

Beaufort, NC · On-site

The position integrates data processing, scientific analysis, and collaborative research to inform ... This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation ...

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$64K

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How much do full time underwater research jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time underwater research in the United States is $96,670.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,000.00 and $111,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is full time underwater research?

Full time underwater research is a career where scientists and specialists spend the majority of their work hours studying aquatic environments, marine life, and underwater ecosystems. These professionals often conduct field research by diving or using submersibles, collect samples, monitor ocean health, and analyze data to better understand marine biology and environmental changes. Full time underwater researchers may work for universities, government agencies, or private organizations, and their findings can contribute to conservation efforts, climate change studies, and marine resource management.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time underwater researcher?

To thrive as a Full Time Underwater Researcher, you need a background in marine biology or environmental science, strong analytical skills, and scuba diving certification. Familiarity with underwater survey equipment, data logging tools, and software for statistical analysis is typically required. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong teamwork and communication skills help researchers excel in dynamic and sometimes challenging underwater environments. These skills are critical for collecting accurate data, ensuring safety, and advancing scientific understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in full time underwater research roles?

Professionals in full-time underwater research often face challenges such as adapting to physically demanding conditions, managing complex equipment underwater, and ensuring personal safety in variable environments. They must also navigate unpredictable weather and ocean currents, which can impact research schedules and data collection. Effective communication and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, both underwater and on land, are essential for successful project outcomes.

What is the difference between Full Time Underwater Research vs Full Time Marine Biologist?

AspectFull Time Underwater ResearchFull Time Marine Biologist
CredentialsRelevant degrees in marine science, oceanography, or related fields; certifications in diving and safetyDegree in marine biology, ecology, or related disciplines; often includes certifications in research methods
Work EnvironmentUnderwater research stations, research vessels, diving environmentsLaboratories, field sites, coastal areas, sometimes underwater settings
Employer & IndustryResearch institutions, oceanographic centers, environmental agenciesUniversities, research institutes, conservation organizations

Full Time Underwater Research focuses on conducting scientific studies directly underwater, often requiring diving certifications and underwater equipment. In contrast, Full Time Marine Biologists may work both in labs and in the field, studying marine life and ecosystems, sometimes underwater but not always. Both roles require strong scientific credentials, but their work environments and specific focus areas differ.

More about Full Time Underwater Research jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Underwater Research jobs?

The most popular types of Underwater Research jobs are:

What states have the most Full Time Underwater Research jobs?

States with the most job openings for Full Time Underwater Research jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Full Time Underwater Research jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Full Time Underwater Research jobs are:

Full Time Underwater Research jobs near you
Infographic showing various Full Time Underwater Research job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 78% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,670 per year, or $46.5 per hour.

Postdoctoral Associate - Control/Sim/RL

Drexel University

Philadelphia, PA • On-site

$60K - $90K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Drexel University rating

7.1

Company rating: 7.1 out of 10

Based on 12 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

413th of 627 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Postdoctoral Associate - Control/Sim/RL
Job no: 507049
Work type: Full-Time
Location: University City - Philadelphia, PA
Categories: Drexel University, College of Computing and Informatics, College of Engineering
Job Summary
A postdoctoral position in Mechanical Engineering and Mechanics is being offered to support research in bio-inspired underwater robotics, with a focus on the development of advanced modeling and control strategies for multi-limbed swimming systems.
Primary responsibilities include the development of high-fidelity dynamic models of swimming robots, incorporating hydrodynamic and hydrostatic effects, and the design and implementation of control strategies for bio-inspired robotic platforms. The postdoctoral researcher will work closely with experimental underwater robotic systems and contribute to improving the understanding and performance of these systems under realistic operating conditions.
This position is grant-funded; employment is contingent upon the continued availability of those funds.
Essential Functions
  • Supervise undergraduate and graduate student research related to underwater bio-robotic swimmers, providing guidance on modeling, control development, and experimental validation.
  • Contribute to the preparation of research proposals, present findings at conferences and technical meetings, and publish results in peer-reviewed journals.
  • Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications
  • Minimum of a PhD or Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering or related field or the equivalent combination of education and work experience (Please review the Equivalency Chart for additional information).
  • Minimum of 0-3 years of experience.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Expertise in high-fidelity dynamic simulation (e.g., MuJoCo, Simscape), with emphasis on underwater or fluid-interacting systems.
  • Proficiency in Python and MATLAB for control development and data analysis.
  • Experience applying reinforcement learning to control of nonlinear, multi-DoF robotic systems, particularly in locomotion or underwater contexts.
  • Familiarity with CAD and hardware-simulation integration workflows.
  • Experience with robotic hardware and sensing systems is desirable.
  • Familiarity with ROS/ROS2 is a plus.

Physical Demands
  • Typically sitting at a desk/table
  • Typically standing, walking

Location
  • University City - Philadelphia, PA

Additional Information
This position is classified as Exempt, grade K. Compensation for this grade ranges from $60,240.00 - $90,350.00 per year. Please note that the offered rate for this position will vary based on the successful candidate's qualifications and experience, department budget, and an internal equity review.
Applicants are encouraged to explore the Professional Staff salary structure and Compensation Guidelines & Policies for more details on Drexel's compensation framework. For information about benefits, please review Drexel's Benefits Brochure.
Special Instructions to the Applicant
Please make sure you upload your CV/resume and cover letter when submitting your application.
A review of applicants will begin once a suitable candidate pool is identified.
Advertised: Jul 29 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
Applications close: Aug 29 2026 Eastern Daylight Time
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