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Think Tank Researcher Jobs in Florida (NOW HIRING)

Experience conducting aerial surveys or coordinating multi-observer research missions.Physical and medical fitness to work at sea for extended periods, lift and carry equipment, and tolerate varying ...

Experience conducting aerial surveys or coordinating multi-observer research missions. * Physical and medical fitness to work at sea for extended periods, lift and carry equipment, and tolerate ...

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Think Tank Researcher information

See Florida salary details

$22.4K

$84.5K

$122.9K

How much do think tank researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for think tank researcher in Florida is $84,520.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $50,100.00 and $115,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a think tank researcher do?

A Think Tank Researcher conducts in-depth analysis on political, economic, social, or scientific issues to provide insights and recommendations for policymakers, businesses, or the public. They gather data, write reports, and participate in discussions to influence decision-making. Their work often involves collaborating with experts, conducting interviews, and presenting findings through publications or events.

What does a typical day look like for a think tank researcher, and how does the role interact with other professionals?

A typical day for a Think Tank Researcher involves gathering and analyzing data, reviewing literature, drafting research papers or policy briefs, and sometimes presenting findings to stakeholders or the public. Researchers often collaborate closely with other team members, including senior analysts, policy experts, and external partners, to ensure work is rigorous and relevant. You may also attend meetings, participate in brainstorming sessions, and contribute to grant-writing or project proposals. This collaborative environment fosters learning and offers ample opportunities for professional development and advancement as you build expertise on key policy issues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a think tank researcher, and why are they important?

Thrive as a Think Tank Researcher by possessing strong analytical abilities, advanced research skills, and typically a graduate degree in a relevant field such as political science, economics, or public policy. Familiarity with data analysis software, statistical tools, and literature databases is often important, alongside experience in peer-reviewed publication or policy report writing. Outstanding communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills help researchers effectively convey complex ideas and work within interdisciplinary teams. These capabilities are essential for conducting impactful research that informs policy decisions and drives organizational objectives.

How do people get jobs at think tanks?

People typically get jobs at think tanks by having relevant academic backgrounds, such as degrees in policy, economics, or political science, and gaining experience through internships, research assistant roles, or related positions. Strong analytical skills, research abilities, and familiarity with policy issues are also important, along with networking and applying through organizational websites or job boards.

How hard is it to get a job in a think tank?

Securing a position as a think tank researcher can be competitive, often requiring advanced degrees such as a master's or Ph.D., along with relevant research experience and strong analytical skills. Candidates typically need a solid understanding of policy issues, excellent writing abilities, and familiarity with research tools like data analysis software. Networking and internships can also improve chances of employment in this field.

What are the most commonly searched types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in Florida?

The most popular types of Think Tank Researcher jobs in Florida are:

Infographic showing various Think Tank Researcher job openings in Florida as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 11% Internship, 75% Full Time, and 14% Part Time. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $84,520 per year, or $40.6 per hour.

Survey Watch Stander & Video Annotator I -- Mesophotic Deep Benthic Communities (MDBC) Survey

Think Tank, Inc.

Panama City, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago


Job description

*Position is Subject to Contract Award*Onsite Position at SEFSC Laboratory and at Sea in Panama City, FL Position Overview SEFSC-PEMD personnel are critical collaborators in restoration work responding to the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill. This role supports surveys of mesophotic and deep benthic reef communities (50–1,800 m) using platforms such as ROVs and AUVs to detect, classify, and enumerate corals, sponges, octocorals, crustaceans, mollusks, fishes, and other fauna, including acoustic mapping of areas affected by oil or dispersant exposure, and ground-truthing to confirm habitat condition. Serves as Survey Watch Stander for MDBC surveys on NOAA Ships and Small Research Vessels and participates in other PEMD resource surveys as requested. Key Responsibilities Task #1 - Survey DutiesKnowledgeable in MDBC data-collection SOPs; execution of at-sea mapping and ground-truthing missions as Field Party Chief or Watch Leader.Pre- and post-survey inventory and maintenance of equipment and gear.Conducting data collection and biological/environmental sampling, and logging/processing data per prescribed MDBC SOP.Completing incident reporting procedures per NOAA Small Boat Program requirements (small boat operations only).Task #2 - Laboratory DutiesRequires subject-matter expertise on biota associated with mesophotic/deep reefs of the Gulf of America. Video is annotated via a semi-automated process (1. automated processing using C-Vision tools, 2. human-in-the-loop review and correction, 3. data review and QA/QC, 4. data output/ingest into GCRF Oracle databases, and GitHub updates), including but not limited to:Subject-matter expert identifying marine fishes in all life stages from mesophotic and deep reef habitats.Video annotation, review, and data QA/QC of ROV-based footage.Management of review and tracking sheets; updating project management tools and annotation tracking sheets.Task #3 - Data Management SupportCoordinating with NCEI and NCCOS Biogeography Branch to integrate existing bathymetric data (U.S. EEZ Gulf of Mexico, 50–1,800 m) into the MDBC database.Inputting and correcting data in the MDBC database and associated applications per MDBC survey SOP (including metadata).Updating video annotation project management tools.Task #4 - Analytical SupportMaintaining knowledge of relevant scientific literature; supporting data analyses and developing data summaries.Maintaining project management tool updates.Developing basic data reports and presentations; assisting with graphs/visuals from survey outcomes.Task #5 - Outreach & EducationParticipate in public outreach and education efforts, e.g., school programs, science fair judging, facility/ship tours, and outreach booths. Qualifications (Required) MS degree in Marine Science or a related field, or BS degree plus 1 year of relevant experience.Computer literate with common word processing, database, statistical, and graphics programs; capable of writing college-level reports and making oral presentations.Experience as a data collector on at-sea surveys; skilled with software handling hydrological and biological data streams.Proficient in fish, invertebrate, and protected species identification; knowledge of Gulf of America reef taxa.Expert knowledge of major structure-forming invertebrates in mesophotic and deep benthic communities of the Gulf of America.Knowledge of procedures for encountering endangered or threatened species.Sea-going contractors on OMAO NOAA ships must submit a NOAA Health Services Questionnaire (Form 57-10-01) and Tuberculosis Screening Form (NF 57-10-02) annually/biennially, and must have a current tetanus vaccine (within 10 years).