Principal Investigator, Coastal Ecosystems

At the Monterey Bay Aquarium we are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that celebrates and values diversity. We firmly believe that having a team of diverse backgrounds and voices working together increases our capacity to serve our visitors and fulfill our welcome people from all walks of life into our team and strongly encourage people of color LGBTQ individuals veterans and people with disabilities to apply.

Job Summary:

With limited oversight identify design and conduct novel research in support of Monterey Bay Aquariums ocean conservation priorities. Lead a portfolio of research projects to inform the management and conservation of nearshore and marine systems in California and the US including those related to southern sea otter population recovery kelp forest ecosystems estuary ecosystems and marine spatial planning. Lead and co-author scientific research papers in peer-reviewed journals upholding and communicating the Aquariums core values of scientific rigor and integrity both internally and externally. Assess and improve upon research & analysis methodologies database management and storage protocols internal and external partners to expand the capacity impact and reach of USCAs research and Monterey Bay Aquariums ability to achieve our strategic ocean conservation goals. As needed serve as the lead subject matter expert and spokesperson for the Aquariums kelp forest ecosystems research and marine protected area research and speak to how that research fits into the broader scientific and conservation landscapes. Participate in relevant scientific delegations advisory boards and expert panels to inform and support local State and Federal governance and ocean conservation initiatives and actions through the application of the best available scientific data. Assist Conservation and Policy teams as needed to provide scientific evidence and support decision making on relevant topics. Perform other duties as required.

Core Activities:

• Identify research topics and needs pertinent to the Aquariums and USCA Ocean Conservation goals in collaboration with Conservation & Science leadership. Support in the writing of grants and other funding requests for these topics and needs.
• Design and plan diverse lines of research to address research gaps relevant to USCA and Conservation & Science goals including both data-driven and field-based research in nearshore systems of California and fundamental and experimental scientific research in nearshore species and systems.
• Conduct a portfolio of research implementing projects to address research gaps relevant to USCA and Conservation & Science goals as above including but not limited to: analysis and synthesis of sea otter and ecological datasets field-based research in nearshore systems of California and fundamental and experimental scientific research in nearshore species and systems and collaboration with relevant Aquarium divisions (e.g. Animal Care).
• Oversee train and collaborate with junior Aquarium staff fellows interns and volunteers on research projects that address knowledge gaps in the field of ocean conservation.
• First author and co-author scientific research papers in peer-reviewed journals. This includes all aspects of research and manuscript preparation: analysis and interpretation of results creation of figures writing of multiple manuscript drafts and incorporating editor and reviewer comments.
• Develop and improve research methodologies workflows and database management and storage efficiencies to ensure high team productivity and high accuracy of all USCA research in collaboration with Conservation & Science leadership.
• Raise awareness of USCA Research within academic governmental and NGO communities; present research findings at scientific conferences and relevant marine conservation and management meetings.
• Advice Conservation & Science leadership on the development of strategic goals relevant to the Aquarium and divisional missions of ocean science conservation and policy.
• Develop content translating scientific findings into language and formats suitable for a general audience including internal FAQ and position statements reviewing existing Aquarium content for scientific accuracy contribute to outward-facing content (interviews social media content etc.) in collaboration with Aquarium outreach and marketing and communications teams.
• Develop new and maintain existing collaborations with outside academic government NGO industry and other scientists to conduct collaborative research relevant to the Aquariums USCA Ocean Conservation priorities. Engage in collaborative research that aligns with the Aquariums mission.
• Serve as a member of the Aquariums Research Oversight Committee and as a recognized expert on relevant internal and external advisory bodies committees and events.
• Manage a budget for research equipment contractors travel and other needs. Provide financial reports as needed.
• Serve as an Aquarium spokesperson and subject matter expert by participating in media interviews delivering public presentations sitting on panels performing educational outreach and other external communications.
• Lead all relevant local State and Federal permitting activities related to USCA research write related reports.

Preferred Knowledge Skills & Abilities (KSAs):

• PhD degree in Marine Ecology Marine Conservation or related field
• 9 years inclusive of degree experience in conducting reviewing and publication of scientific research
• 4 years of experience in advising and managing employees and students engaged in marine ecology research
• Strong scientific publication record in marine ecology or related fields
• Proven track record of collaboration with scientists from academic government NGO and other science institutions
• Expertise in advanced data analysis methods including multivariate statistical analysis spatially-explicit analysis large datasets and machine learning
• Advanced experience with research that informs conservation & management of marine and nearshore ecosystems to include primary research synthesis and/or meta-analysis
• Knowledge of and engagement with local state and federal governance bodies with respect to ocean conservation research policy & regulations
• Strong understanding of current issues in ocean conservation including climate change effects marine spatial planning fisheries management and aquaculture
• Ability to act as a spokesperson for and raise awareness of USCA research by giving talks at meetings and participating in relevant workshops and other outreach and special events
• Excellent track record of conducting and overseeing SCUBA dive-based research projects in alignment with AAUS standards and protocols. AAUS certification required.
• Excellent science communication skills particularly an ability to translate science to a general audience
• Experience engaging with media outlets (print online TV film) to translate marine science and conservation to the general public
• A network of strong relationships throughout the fields of ocean conservation
• Mastery of software and platforms used to generate research products including R Matlab Python Arc GIS GitHub Dropbox Microsoft Access and Excel Zotero/Endnote
• Mastery of data visualization methods and software including Adobe Illustrator
• Proven ability to work as part of a team to develop and execute evidence-based ocean conservation policy
• Ability to encourage and support an inclusive and respectful work environment with a commitment to increasing diversity & inclusion in USCA research
• Moderate to advanced knowledge and experience in small boat operations experience with boat trailering and mooring
• Ability to work within and maintain Monterey Bay Aquariums Core Values
• Demonstrated commitment to Monterey Bay Aquariums Leadership Competencies

Physical Requirements to Perform Essential Job Functions:

• Typical office equipment some boating and field research
• Constant sitting standing walking bending
• Occasional unassisted lifting up to 50 lbs
• Typical office environment main aquarium and exhibits occasional offsite events scientific research vessels research lab space

Annual Compensation Range:

$93500 - $119000 USD annually. Starting rate will vary based on previous experience and relevant skills/knowledge set.

Priority deadline for applications is June 23 2025. Due to the volume of incoming applications the role may be closed earlier than June 23 2025.

Required Experience:

Staff IC