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Marine Research Associate Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) of the University of Miami ... Research Associate. The successful applicant will be a member of the NOAA's National Marine ...

Research Associate 5 Position Type:Other Academic Department:LSUAM Engineering - School of ... marine vehicles. Provides direct management support in initiating and developing contacts with ...

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Marine Research Associate information

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How much do marine research associate jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for marine research associate in the United States is $32.54, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $26.20 and $37.02 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Marine Research Associate?

A Marine Research Associate is a professional who conducts scientific studies and research related to marine environments, organisms, and ecosystems. They often work for universities, research institutions, or government agencies, collecting and analyzing data from oceans, seas, and coastal areas. Their work may involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data modeling, and reporting findings to help inform marine conservation, policy, and management. Marine Research Associates typically collaborate with other scientists and may contribute to publications and presentations. This role requires a strong background in marine science, biology, or a related field.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Marine Research Associate, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Marine Research Associate, you need a solid background in marine biology, oceanography, or a related field, typically with at least a bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with data analysis software, GIS mapping tools, and laboratory or field sampling equipment is often required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills set top candidates apart. These competencies are crucial for conducting accurate research, interpreting complex data, and collaborating on projects that inform conservation and marine management efforts.

What are some common challenges Marine Research Associates face when conducting fieldwork, and how can they be prepared for them?

Marine Research Associates often encounter challenges such as unpredictable weather, equipment malfunctions, and logistical issues when conducting fieldwork at sea or in remote locations. To be prepared, it's important to have strong problem-solving skills, a solid understanding of safety protocols, and the ability to adapt research plans as conditions change. Additionally, collaborating closely with team members and maintaining clear communication ensures that research objectives can still be met safely and efficiently despite unexpected obstacles.

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

The most popular types of Marine Research jobs are:

What are popular job titles related to Marine Research Associate jobs?

For Marine Research Associate jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Marine Research Associate job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 69% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,685 per year, or $32.5 per hour.

Post Bachelors Research Associate - Marine Technology

Sequim, WA • On-site

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees

$27.50/hr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 9 days ago


Pacific Northwest National Laboratory rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Overview
At PNNL, our core capabilities are divided among major departments that we refer to as Directorates within the Lab, focused on a specific area of scientific research or other function, with its own leadership team and dedicated budget.
Our Science & Technology directorates include National Security, Earth and Biological Sciences, Physical and Computational Sciences, and Energy and Environment. In addition, we have an Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, a Department of Energy, Office of Science user facility housed on the PNNL campus.
The Energy and Environment Directorate delivers science and technology solutions for the nation's biggest energy and environmental challenges. Our more than 1,700 staff support the Department of Energy (DOE), delivering on key DOE mission areas including: modernizing our nation's power grid to maintain a reliable, affordable, secure, and resilient electricity delivery infrastructure; research, development, validation, and effective utilization of renewable energy and efficiency technologies that improve the affordability, reliability, resiliency, and security of the American energy system; and resolving complex issues in nuclear science, energy, and environmental management.
The Coastal Sciences Division, part of the Energy and Environment Directorate, is headquartered at PNNL-Sequim, on Washington State's Olympic Peninsula. Our unique facility is the Department of Energy's only marine research laboratory, and the capabilities of its researchers deliver science and technology critical to the nation's energy, environmental, and security future.
We focus on research related to marine and coastal resources, environmental chemistry, water resources modeling, marine engineering, environmental modeling and monitoring, and national security-the division is an emerging leader in three areas:
  • Enabling sustainable development of ocean energy.
  • Understanding and mitigating long-term impacts of human activities, including climate change, on marine resources.
  • Protecting coastal environments from security threats.

Responsibilities
The Coastal Sciences Division at PNNL is seeking a marine research associate to join a multidisciplinary team of engineers and scientists that develop and test various marine technologies. Projects include integrating commercially available sensors and in-house developed sensors for monitoring the environment, working with autonomous vehicles, and supporting marine energy applications. Hands-on engineering will be a large part of this role. As a Research Associate, the candidate will be working with a mentor and peers with electrical and mechanical engineering expertise. This position is located at PNNL-Sequim.
The candidate can expect to:
  • Perform common and novel electrical wiring and soldering tasks as directed by project principal investigators or task leads.
  • Perform common and novel mechanical drafting, fabrication, and assembly tasks as directed by project principal investigators or task leads.
  • Translate design requirements from a multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers into engineering specifications.
  • Support researchers and engineers collecting data in a dynamic marine environment.
  • Contribute to design documentation and scientific reporting on testing and results.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:
  • Candidates must have received a Bachelor's degree within the past 24 months or within the next 8 months from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in biological, chemical, electrical or ocean engineering, with field experience collecting and analyzing sensor data.
  • Experience deploying, calibrating and troubleshooting marine sensors.
  • Experience working in an ocean engineering context or general marine environment.
  • Technical writing experience.
  • Ability to read schematics and wiring diagrams.
  • Electrical and mechanical CAD software experience.
  • Software programming and data analysis experience in Python, R, C, C++, Matlab or equivalent.

Hazardous Working Conditions/Environment
Not applicable
Testing Designated Position
This is not a Testing Designated Position (TDP).
About PNNL
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a world-class research institution powered by a highly educated, diverse workforce committed to the values of Integrity, Creativity, Collaboration, Impact, and Courage. Every year, scores of dynamic, driven people come to PNNL to work with renowned researchers on meaningful science, innovations and outcomes for the U.S. Department of Energy and other sponsors; here is your chance to be one of them!
At PNNL, you will find an exciting research environment and excellent benefits including health insurance, and flexible work schedules. PNNL is located in eastern Washington State-the dry side of Washington known for its stellar outdoor recreation and affordable cost of living. The Lab's campus is only a 45-minute flight (or ~3 hour drive) from Seattle or Portland, and is serviced by the convenient PSC airport, connected to 8 major hubs.
Commitment to Excellence and Equal Employment Opportunity
Our laboratory is committed to fostering a work environment where all individuals are treated with fairness and respect while solving critical challenges in fundamental sciences, national security, and energy resiliency. We are an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. PNNL considers all applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), protected veteran status, and any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local laws.
We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures and in employment. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, contact us at careers@pnnl.gov.
Drug Free Workplace
PNNL is committed to a drug-free workplace supported by Workplace Substance Abuse Program (WSAP) and complies with federal laws prohibiting the possession and use of illegal drugs.
If you are offered employment at PNNL, you must pass a drug test prior to commencing employment. PNNL complies with federal law regarding illegal drug use. Under federal law, marijuana remains an illegal drug. If you test positive for any illegal controlled substance, including marijuana, your offer of employment will be withdrawn.
Security, Credentialing, and Eligibility Requirements
As a national laboratory, PNNL is responsible for adhering to the Homeland Security Presidential Directive 12 (HSPD-12) and Department of Energy (DOE) Order 473.1A, which require new employees to obtain and maintain a HSPD-12 Personal Identify Verification (PIV) Credential. To obtain this credential, new employees must successfully complete the applicable tier of federal background investigation post hire and receive a favorable federal adjudication. The tier of federal background investigation will be determined by job duties and national security or public trust responsibilities associated with the job. All tiers of investigation include a declaration of illegal drug activities, including use, supply, possession, or manufacture within the last 1 to 7 years (depending on the applicable tier of investigation). Illegal drug activities include marijuana and cannabis derivatives, which are still considered illegal under federal law, regardless of state laws.
For foreign national candidates:
If you have not resided in the U.S. for three consecutive years, you are not eligible for the PIV credential and instead will need to obtain a favorable Local Site Specific Only (LSSO) Federal risk determination to maintain employment. Once you meet the three-year residency requirement thereafter, you will be required to obtain a PIV credential to maintain employment. The tier of federal background investigation required to obtain the PIV credential will be determined by job duties at the time you become eligible for the PIV credential.
Mandatory Requirements
Please be aware that the Department of Energy (DOE) prohibits DOE employees and contractors from having any affiliation with the foreign government of a country DOE has identified as a "country of risk" without explicit approval by DOE and Battelle. If you are offered a position at PNNL and currently have any affiliation with the government of one of these countries, you will be required to disclose this information and recuse yourself of that affiliation or receive approval from DOE and Battelle prior to your first day of employment.
Rockstar Rewards
Employees and their families are offered medical insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, robust telehealth care options, several mental health benefits, free wellness coaching, health savings account, flexible spending accounts, basic life insurance, disability insurance*, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, tuition assistance, relocation, backup childcare, legal benefits, supplemental parental bonding leave, surrogacy and adoption assistance, and fertility support. Employees are automatically enrolled in our company-funded pension plan* and may enroll in our 401 (k) savings plan with company match*. Employees may accrue up to 120 vacation hours per year and may receive ten paid holidays per year.
* Research Associates excluded.
**All benefits are dependent upon eligibility.
Click Here For Rockstar Rewards
Notice to Applicants
PNNL lists the full pay range for the position in the job posting. Starting pay is calculated from the minimum of the pay range and actual placement in the range is determined based on an individual's relevant job-related skills, qualifications, and experience. This approach is applicable to all positions, with the exception of positions governed by collective bargaining agreements and certain limited-term positions which have specific pay rules.
As part of our commitment to fair compensation practices, we do not ask for or consider current or past salaries in making compensation offers at hire. Instead, our compensation offers are determined by the specific requirements of the position, prevailing market trends, applicable collective bargaining agreements, pay equity for the position type, and individual qualifications and skills relevant to the performance of the position.
Minimum Salary
USD $27.50/Hr.
Maximum Salary
USD $35.77/Hr.

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About Pacific Northwest National Laboratory

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) is a premier research institution based in Richland, Washington, US. Operated by Battelle Memorial Institute under contract to the US Department of Energy (DOE), it is one of the DOE's seventeen national laboratories. PNNL primarily specializes in fields such as environmental science, energy, nuclear science, and national security. Founded in 1965, the lab has since been committed to its core values of integrity, creativity, collaboration, impact, and courage. Their mission is "to transform the world through courageous discovery and innovation." Notable achievements include significant contributions to projects like the Human Genome Project and the development of grid-friendly appliances.

Industry

Scientific research and development services

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Richland, WA, US

Year founded

1965