Job Description

Postdoctoral Associate

OceanX

About OceanX:
OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

For more information, visit www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, X, and LinkedIn


OceanX is seeking a Postdoctoral Associate in a field related to marine biology, oceanography, molecular ecology, bioinformatics, or a closely related discipline. This position combines laboratory and field-based research aboard the research vessel R/V OceanXplorer with remote, shore-based research and scientific support.

The successful candidate will be responsible for collecting, processing, and documenting biological and environmental samples (e.g., water, sediment, and organisms) during international research expeditions onboard R/V OceanXplorer and conducting downstream analyses and curation, including e.g. sequencing, genome assembly, and other bioinformatic workflows.

When not deployed aboard the vessel, the Postdoctoral Associate will provide ongoing support to the OceanX Science team through data analysis, manuscript preparation, project development, and support in expedition planning. The ability to work both independently and collaboratively with international scientific teams in a dynamic shipboard environment is essential.

This position offers unique access to a wide range of ocean exploration technologies and platforms, including crewed submersibles, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), CTDs, and scientific diving operations. The successful candidate will be expected to develop, execute, and publish original scientific research in collaboration with the OceanX Science team, with the goal of producing high-impact, peer-reviewed publications.

OceanX is an entrepreneurial environment which values team players who can manage priorities and workstreams simultaneously. To thrive and succeed within our unique culture and work environment, you must demonstrate humility, innate curiosity, and openness to new ideas/approaches. You also must be hard working, composed and goal oriented. Everyone working with OceanX is expected to be honest, open to giving and receiving objective feedback, constantly striving for self-improvement, and committed to the pursuit of excellence.

Position Type

• This is a two-year contract position, with the possibility of renewal after the two-year term.
• While the role will work closely with the OceanX team in support of OceanX initiatives, it will be formally employed and managed by a third-party staffing partner.
• Please note this position does not provide visa sponsorship, immigration support, or relocation assistance.
• Applicants must have the legal right to reside and work in their country of residence at the time of application and throughout the duration of the contract term.

Location:

• Note: This position requires spending approximately 65% of annual working time aboard the R/V OceanXplorer during scientific expeditions.
• When not deployed at sea, work may be performed remotely from within their country of residence.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop scientific projects in collaboration with the OceanX Science Program Mangers, Research Scientist, and the Chief Science Officer.
• Collect, process, analyze, and document biological and environmental samples and associated data during research expeditions.
• Operate, maintain, and help optimize laboratory facilities aboard R/V OceanXplorer, including management of consumables, equipment inventories, procurement, and laboratory safety procedures, i.e. manage the storage, handling, and disposal of chemicals and other laboratory materials in accordance with applicable safety regulations and best practices.
• Collaborate with guest researchers and vessel-based teams (Science, ROV, and Sub) to achieve sampling objectives and scientific project goals during scientific expeditions.
• Support external researchers with sample collection, processing, documentation, and logistics.
• Conduct bioinformatic and statistical analyses of molecular and ecological datasets.
• Contribute to expedition planning, project coordination, reporting, and scientific communications.
• Develop, lead, and publish original research in peer-reviewed scientific journals in collaboration with the OceanX Science team.

Qualifications

• Professional Experience:
  • Ph.D. in Marine Biology, Oceanography, Molecular Ecology, Bioinformatics, or a closely related field.
  • Demonstrated experience conducting independent scientific research and contributing to peer-reviewed publications, including a publication record appropriate to career stage, including first-author peer-reviewed publications.
  • Experience with molecular biology and/or bioinformatic approaches relevant to marine science, including sample processing, sequencing-based analyses, and data interpretation.
  • Experience analyzing and visualizing complex biological and environmental datasets using appropriate statistical and computational tools.
  • Experience conducting marine fieldwork and/or working aboard research vessels.
  • Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with interdisciplinary teams and external collaborators.
  • Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a highly collaborative team environment.
  • Ability to thrive in a dynamic, entrepreneurial environment with evolving priorities and operational complexity.
• Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience with environmental DNA (eDNA), metabarcoding, metagenomics, genomics, transcriptomics, or related molecular approaches and their respective bioinformatics workflows.
  • Experience supporting multidisciplinary scientific expeditions or large-scale field campaigns.
  • Experience managing laboratory operations, scientific inventories, and research logistics.
  • Familiarity with oceanographic sampling platforms and technologies, including CTDs, ROVs, submersibles, and autonomous systems.
  • Experience collaborating with international research teams and external scientific partners.

• Personal Attributes:
  • Determined, resourceful and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic
  • Agility, with a track record of getting things done
  • Organized, reliable, and meticulous
  • Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
  • Comfortable with ambiguity
  • Maintains high standards
  • Highly collaborative
  • General curiosity and passion for the Ocean

• Other Requirements:
  
  • Willingness and ability to live and work aboard R/V OceanXplorer for extended deployments at sea of approximately 4–8 weeks at a time.
  • Ability to spend approximately 65% of annual working time aboard the vessel during expeditions.
  • Willingness and ability to travel internationally and work in remote locations.
  • Ability to safely perform shipboard, laboratory, and field-based scientific activities, including handling equipment and samples as required.

Compensation

Compensation for this role is in the range of USD $90,000–$100,000.