Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biological Oceanography

JOB TITLE: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Biological Oceanography

SUPERVISOR: Dr. Jérôme Pinti

Pay Grade: 7

Starting Salary Range: $64000-$69000

Overview:

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) develops and delivers collaborative solutions to global ocean challenges. We are dedicated to the resilience of the Gulf of Maine ecosystem and the communities that depend on it. To learn more visit .

GMRI is currently seeking applicants for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Biological Oceanography Lab. The Postdoctoral Researcher will work under the supervision of Dr. Jérôme Pinti and collaborate with a team of scientists at GMRI and other institutions to examine the role of fish in the Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Maine.

Fish-mediated flux (i.e. respiration fecal pellets and carcasses) is now widely recognized to account for a substantial part of total carbon export (between 10 and 30% of the export depending on regions). However the magnitude and variability of these fluxes in the Gulf of Maine are still not well understood. Here using a combination of lab measurements field sampling and numerical modeling the Postdoctoral Research Associate will dive deeper into the role of forage fish fecal pellets in the Gulf of Maine (regional production sinking speed and degradation rates) to obtain estimates of fish-mediated gravitational export and its spatio-temporal variations.

The successful candidate will have a background in marine ecology and/or biological oceanography and a deep understanding of marine carbon cycling and biological processes. The candidate should have experience in numerical modeling and/or statistical analysis should be able to work relatively independently and must demonstrate a strong record of producing high-quality scientific manuscripts. The incumbent is encouraged to explore other projects and proposals in line with his interests and expertise the interests of the Biological Oceanography Lab and contributing to GMRIs Strategic Plan.

The preferred start date is May 1 2026 or earlier. The position will be located primarily at GMRI () in Portland ME; occasional travel is anticipated for field work meetings or conferences. The initial appointment is for one year renewable depending on availability of funding.

Responsibilities:

• Perform research on the Biological Carbon Pump in the Gulf of Maine aligned with the Biological Oceanographys goals and GMRIs Strategic Plan.
• Contribute to the effective operation of the Biological Oceanography Lab by assisting the Principal Investigator (Dr. Pinti) with research execution project coordination and laboratory responsibilities.
• Mentor an undergraduate summer intern during the summer.
• Taken part in field work and other activities of the Biological Oceanography Lab as appropriate.
• Contribute to and lead proposals to support later stages of research.
• Synthesize and share results in peer-reviewed scientific papers and at scientific conferences.

Other General Responsibilities:

• Participate in project team meetings and workshops.
• Participate in lab and GMRI staff meetings and activities.

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in a relevant discipline such as biological oceanography marine ecology fisheries biology fisheries ecology applied mathematics statistics or another field that demonstrates a strong quantitative background (e.g. modeling spatial statistics time-series analysis).
• Experience with field work including sampling techniques (e.g. zooplankton or fish sampling) small boat operation and the ability to work off hours and in variable conditions as needed.
• Demonstrated experience and fluency in relevant programming languages (e.g. R).
• Strong written and oral communication skills as evidenced through publications in the peer reviewed scientific literature and presentation of results to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
• Eligible to work in the United States.

Other Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working on the Biological Carbon Pump.
• Experience crafting grant proposals.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) has a long-standing policy and commitment to providing equal access and equal employment opportunities in all terms conditions processes and benefits of employment without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability genetic information family status veteran status or any other classification protected by law. GMRIs employment decisions are made without regard to race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin age disability genetic information family status veteran status or any other classification protected by law.

Applicants and employees are encouraged to voluntarily provide certain status data to assist GMRI in fulfilling various reporting requirements of the federal government. This self-identification is completely voluntary will be kept confidential and separate from your application data and used only to meet certain state or federal reporting requirements. Providing or declining to provide this information will not result in adverse action of any kind.

Salary and Benefits:

Gulf of Maine Research Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

To Apply:

All applications must be accompanied by a cover letter and résumé. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the successful candidate has been selected. Questions about the job description can be addressed to Dr. Pinti . The deadline to submit applications is February 28th 2026.