Research Scientist - Mariculture

Job Details

The Prince William Sound Science Center (PWSSC) in Cordova, Alaska, is seeking applications for a Research Scientist with interests in Mariculture. At PWSSC, each scientist leads an externally funded research team, with opportunities to pursue research, educational outreach, and initiatives that align with our mission. Our scientists focus on understanding the unique ecosystems of Prince William Sound, coastal Alaska, and beyond. This includes research that addresses critical environmental challenges, contributes to sustainable management of coastal and marine resources, and assists with emerging industries such as mariculture. We welcome applicants at all career stages, from early-career researchers to those with established programs.

PWSSC is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge about the ecosystems of the North Pacific and Alaska’s coastal communities. Our research spans diverse areas such as fisheries, climate change, ecosystem monitoring, avian ecology, mariculture and oceanography. Our collaborative environment fosters innovative research, and our team enjoys access to research vessels, analytical and wet lab facilities, a running filtered seawater system and laboratories, and extensive long-term datasets from our regional monitoring programs.

This position is currently funded by the Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Trustee Council (EVOSTC) from settlement funds that have been competitively awarded to support research, monitoring, and economic development in the spill affected area. The applicant would join the Mariculture Research and Restoration Consortium (Mariculture ReCon) project, an interdisciplinary team of researchers and seaweed/shellfish farmers that are addressing ecological effects of the budding mariculture industry. The role of the applicant would be to oversee Component 2C: Mariculture with Biological Communities, Pelagic Fish. The project currently has two years of data collected using an imaging sonar to examine fish aggregation around farm structures at several farms in Prince William Sound. The applicant would be expected to continue this project, make adjustments or improvements at their discretion given the allocated budget, manage the budget in collaboration with co-Principal Investigators, complete necessary reporting, and collaborate with other PIs in the Mariculture ReCon program through annual meetings and data synthesis. The applicant will also supervise and work together with a postdoctoral researcher under the Mariculture ReCon program who is overseeing data synthesis and modeling across-program components.

The intention for this position is for the applicant to seek further grant funding over and above the current project and continue to grow the mariculture research program at PWSSC. Our seawater lab currently houses a commercial seaweed hatchery consisting of a walk-in, temperature-controlled cooler and filtration system; the lab was designed with flexibility in mind and is available for any experimental use requiring seawater. PWSSC operates as a soft money institution, meaning that the majority of its research funding is secured through competitive grants and external contracts. The institution applies a 35% overhead rate to cover administrative and operational costs. Salary level is dependent on career level and is negotiable, we welcome applications from recent graduates as well as experienced researchers. PWSSC is committed to supporting its scientists in building sustainable, funded research portfolios that align with our mission. PWSSC provides a competitive salary and a benefits package that includes a medical plan, 403(b) retirement plan, paid leave, and some institutional salary support.

Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a motivated, self-directed researcher with a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific discipline. Candidates should demonstrate a strong record of, or potential for, independent externally funded research, with a proven ability to lead collaborative scientific programs. Experience in interdisciplinary research and a history of publishing in peer-reviewed journals is essential. Strong applicants will have a track record of successful grant writing and project management, as well as the ability to mentor junior scientists, students, and staff.

Contact Information

Interested candidates should submit the following to mariculture [at] pwssc.org:

1. A cover letter describing their research vision, how their expertise complements PWSSC’s work, and why they are interested in this position.
2. A curriculum vitae (CV).
3. A statement of past research accomplishments and future directions.
4. Contact information for three professional references.

Review of applications will begin May 15th, 2026, the position will remain open until filled.

Start date: ASAP, negotiable.

Individuals seeking more information about this opportunity are welcome to contact Rob Campbell, Chief Scientist, at rcampbell [at] pwssc.org.

EO/AA Employer

Applicant must be authorized to work in the United States for any U.S. employer, PWSSC is not currently able to sponsor visas.

Job Type: Full-time, exempt.

The Prince William Sound Science Center does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, changes in marital status, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, physical or mental disability, pregnancy, parenthood, sex, or age, or other legally protected status. PWSSC’s commitment to nondiscrimination applies to employees and applicants for employment.