1

Research Marine Biologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Bachelor's degree or higher in a natural science (e.g., Marine Biology, Fisheries Science, Ecology ... Experience conducting aerial surveys or coordinating multi-observer research missions.Physical and ...

Scientific Research & Analysis * Support scientific investigations focused on benthic habitats, deep-sea ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. * Analyze and interpret biological observations collected ...

Scientific Research & Analysis * Support scientific investigations focused on benthic habitats, deep-sea ecosystems, and marine biodiversity. * Analyze and interpret biological observations collected ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Research Marine Biologist information

See salary details

$37K

$89.4K

$138K

How much do research marine biologist jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for research marine biologist in the United States is $89,403.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a research marine biologist do?

A Research Marine Biologist studies organisms and ecosystems in oceans and other saltwater environments. They conduct fieldwork, collect samples, and analyze data to understand marine life, environmental changes, and human impacts on the ocean. Their work may focus on areas such as marine conservation, species behavior, or oceanography. Research Marine Biologists often publish their findings and may advise organizations or governments on marine issues. Their research helps to protect marine biodiversity and manage sustainable use of ocean resources.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a research marine biologist?

To thrive as a Research Marine Biologist, you need a solid background in marine science, biology, and ecology, typically with at least a master's or doctoral degree in a related field. Experience with data analysis software, laboratory instrumentation, field sampling methods, and sometimes SCUBA certification is often required. Strong critical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for success in research environments. These skills and qualifications are crucial for conducting rigorous scientific studies, ensuring accurate data collection, and contributing valuable insights to marine conservation and management.

How does a research marine biologist typically collaborate with other scientific disciplines during field studies?

Research Marine Biologists frequently work alongside experts in fields such as oceanography, ecology, chemistry, and environmental engineering during field studies. This multidisciplinary collaboration is crucial for collecting comprehensive data, troubleshooting equipment, and interpreting results from different scientific perspectives. Effective teamwork and communication are essential, as biologists often rely on shared resources and cross-disciplinary insights to address complex marine research questions. These collaborations can lead to more impactful findings and open up opportunities for professional development and broader project involvement.

What is the difference between Research Marine Biologist vs Marine Biologist?

AspectResearch Marine BiologistMarine Biologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or related fields; often requires research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Marine Biology or related fields; may include certifications in diving or lab techniques
Work EnvironmentLaboratories, research vessels, field sites, academic institutionsZoos, aquariums, research centers, fieldwork in marine environments
Job FocusDesigning and conducting research studies, data analysis, publishing scientific papersStudying marine life, conservation efforts, public education, and outreach

Research Marine Biologists primarily focus on scientific research, data collection, and analysis to advance marine science. Marine Biologists may engage in research but often also include public education and conservation activities. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds but differ in job focus and work settings.

More about Research Marine Biologist jobs

What cities are hiring for Research Marine Biologist jobs?

Cities with the most Research Marine Biologist job openings:

What states have the most Research Marine Biologist jobs?

States with the most job openings for Research Marine Biologist jobs include:

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

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

Infographic showing various Research Marine Biologist job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 60% Full Time, 20% Temporary, and 20% Contract. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $89,403 per year, or $43 per hour.

Assistant/Associate Professor - Marine Biologist (0082434)

Honolulu, HI • On-site

University of Hawaii
Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago


University Of Hawaii System rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

236th of 631 rated colleges and universities


Job description

Description Title: Assistant / Associate Professor (Marine Biologist) Position Numbers: 0082434 Hiring Unit: College of Natural Sciences - School of Life Sciences Location: Manoa Date Posted: February 25, 2026 Closing Date: Application review begins March 19, 2026 Salary Information: Commensurate with qualifications and experience Monthly Type: 9 Month Tenure Track: Tenure Full/Part Time: Full time Temp/Perm: Permanent Funding: General Funds Position Description The School of Life Sciences (SoLS) at the University of Hawai'i at Manoa seeks a candidate for an Assistant (F3) or Associate Professor (F4) of Marine Biology position who uses integrative approaches to investigate the underlying mechanisms of responses of marine organisms, populations, or communities to environmental change. Research should connect organismal biology and ecology, and may integrate multiple biological, spatial, and/or temporal scales. Research that will focus on Hawaiian species is of particular interest.

The successful candidate can have research experience in any area of marine biology, including but not limited to physiological, ecological, and/or evolutionary approaches. This is a permanent, tenure-track, full-time, 9-month facutly appointment to begin August 1, 2026, subject to position clearance, availability of funds and satisfactory performance. The University of Hawai'i at Manoa (UHM) is a Carnegie Research 1 University with strong emphases on research and undergraduate and graduate education.

Our campus welcomes all students but given our responsibilities to the community in which we operate, as part of our strategic mission, we strive to become a Native Hawaiian Place of Learning, a place that is committed to integrating Native Hawaiian language, culture and/or values into its academic and campus environment. Our vision is to be locally and globally recognized as a premier student-centered and community-serving university (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/strategicplan/). The School of Life Sciences hosts the largest academic program on the University of Hawai'i's flagship campus, serving over 1,500 undergraduate majors and 150 graduate students for degrees in biology, botany, marine biology, microbiology, molecular cell biology, and zoology

Research interests of the 40 faculty members span all biological scales, with many focusing on ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. The School of Life Sciences is committed to serving our community and state and to excellence in research and teaching. (https://manoa.hawaii.edu/lifesciences/)

Assistant Professor Duties and Responsibilities - Develop and sustain an innovative, externally funded research program - Mentor and advise graduate and undergraduate students in the School of Life Sciences - Provide high-quality teaching in support of the Marine Biology B.S. and B.A. degree programs - Develop and teach graduate courses in their area of expertise that directly contribute to one or more of the graduate degrees offered by the School of Life Sciences - Serve on departmental, college, and university committees as appropriate - Render service to the professional and local/regional community that is relevant to the individual's academic specialty Associate Professor Duties and Responsibilities - In addition to the duties and responsibilities associated with the Assistant Professor rank, the role encompasses leadership at the University and national levels

Assistant Professor Minimum Qualifications - A Ph.D or equivalent terminal degree from a college or university of recognized standing in a field relevant to the position. - Research experience in marine biology or a related field - Excellence and creativity in research, as demonstrated by publications in peer-reviewed journals - Ability to teach and mentor students of various backgrounds in core classes in the Marine Biology major, such as algal diversity, invertebrate biology, fish biology, marine microbiology, marine ecology and evolution, or an advanced capstone course, among others - Commitment to supporting the key principles of the School of Life Sciences, which include personal and professional integrity, and the pursuit of excellence in instruction and research - Professionalism in meeting and conferring with others. Associate Professor Minimum Qualifications In addition to those of Assistant Professor, Associate Professor minimum qualifications include: - Four years in the rank of Assistant Professor - Documented participation in the scholarly and academic affairs of their Department, University, or professional organization - Clear recognition among peers at the local and/or regional levels Assistant Professor Desirable Qualifications - Postdoctoral research experience - Evidence of external research funding - Demonstrated experience and excellence in instruction of undergraduate and graduate students in the life sciences, with an emphasis on marine biology - Experience working with students of various backgrounds and various community populations - Vision of research that takes advantage of Hawai'i's unique location, resources, and faculty expertise in the School of Life Sciences, other university units, and state and federal agencies engaged in marine research - Connection to global change issues Associate Professor Desirable Qualifications In addition to those of Assistant Professor, Associate Processor desirable qualifications include: - Departmental leadership experience - Demonstrated record of excellent evaluations on teaching of students and other trainees - Scientific peer-reviewed publication in major journals related to their field To Apply Applicants should submit: 1) a cover letter in which you identify the position for which you are applying and indicate how you satisfy the minimum and desirable qualifications; 2) a curriculum vitae; 3) a statement of research interests, activities, and plans (up to 3 pages in length); 4) a statement of teaching philosophy, interests, and plans (up to 2 pages in length); 5) copies of up to three relevant publications; and 6) names and contact information (including email addresses and telephone numbers) for three professional references

Additional information about Manoa's Strategic Vision as a Native Hawaiian place of learning can be found here: https://manoa.hawaii.edu/strategicplan/. Official transcripts with proof of degree conferred will be required upon hire. Inquiries: Dr

Megan Porter, mlporter@hawaii.edu EEO, Clery Act, ADA The University of Hawai'i is an Equal Opportunity Institution and is committed to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment, including on the basis of veteran and disability status. For more information, visit: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/policies/ Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks. In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office

Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/.


What University Of Hawaii System employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


University of Hawaii logo

About University of Hawaii

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The University of Hawaii, located in Honolulu, HI, US, is an internationally recognized institution of higher learning. Spanning across ten campuses, including one online university, it represents the public system of higher education in the state of Hawaii. Established in 1907, the university operates in the educational services industry, its mission rooted in quality and affordable education for all. It offers over 600 different study programs, including undergraduate, graduate, and professional degrees in a broad spectrum of disciplines. Some of its unrivaled specialties encompass tropical agriculture, tropical medicine, oceanography, astronomy, electrical engineering, volcanology, and Pacific Islands and Asian area studies.

Industry

Colleges, universities, and professional schools

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Honolulu, HI, US

Year founded

1907