Postdoctoral Scholar - Marine Science
Position Overview
Organization: Friday Harbor Labs
Title: Postdoctoral Scholar - Marine Science
Position Details
Position Description
Friday Harbor Laboratories (FHL) at the University of Washington is seeking 2 full-time (100% FTE) postdoctoral scholars. We seek outstanding marine scientists who will develop research activities that make use of FHL assets, including field sites and existing laboratory facilities, building on the long history of research accomplishments of FHL resident scientists. FHL postdoctoral scholars are expected to conduct research that makes use of marine species, communities, or ecosystems found in the Salish Sea region, working under the mentorship of a faculty member at FHL or at another UW campus. Co-mentorship by a non-UW scientist is possible. Research must be conducted in person on San Juan Island. A priority for one position is a candidate intending to work on some aspect of climate impacts on marine organisms or ecosystems.
These appointments have an initial term of 12 months, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year pending funding and successful completion of performance objectives. Funding for each position will include a modest supplement for research and travel costs. There will be opportunities for professional development within the FHL community, e.g. via mentoring student research, committee work and outreach.
Responsibilities:
- Conduct independent marine science research based at FHL
- Engage with student researchers and the broader FHL community as well as sharing findings with other scientists and the public in an accessible manner
The salary for this position will be $6200-$7000 per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor Prevailing wage determination. Postdoctoral scholar appointments at UW are limited to a temporary, defined period not to exceed five years/60 months, including any previous postdoctoral experience.
The anticipated start date is between Sept. 15, 2026, and June 1, 2027. Priority consideration will be given to applications received by March 1.
Postdoctoral scholars at UW are represented by UAW 4121 and are subject to the collective bargaining agreement, unless agreed exclusion criteria apply. For more information, please visit the University of Washington Labor Relations website.
Postdoctoral scholars are engaged in full-time, mentored advanced training to enhance professional skills and research independence. Given the close mentoring relationship necessitated by the nature of postdoctoral scholar appointments; access to the full university community to support individual development; and, if applicable, visa sponsorship requirements, postdoctoral scholars must be physically present at their place of work on University property to fulfill their appointment duties.
Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications
- Candidates must have completed a PhD in some area of marine sciences by the start date of the appointment and have accrued no more than three years of total postdoctoral experience before assuming this position.
Desired Qualifications
- Demonstrated strong analytical and writing skills as seen in record of publication in peer-reviewed journals.
- Experience working effectively in a collaborative group.
- Experience mentoring student research.
- Experience engaging with audiences from a wide spectrum of backgrounds.
About FHL
Friday Harbor Laboratories is the University of Washington's marine laboratory, located on San Juan Island, 70 miles north of the Seattle campus in the Salish Sea, on Lummi, Samish, Klallam, and Tulalip land. FHL is located on a 490-acre biological reserve. The primary mission of FHL is marine research, with teaching and public outreach also important parts of our mission. FHL was established over 100 years ago and operates year-round, bringing scientists, students, and scholars from all over the world together to study and conduct research in the marine sciences.
FHL is a unique unit within the College. As a research station located at a distance from any of the UW campuses, FHL offers undergraduate and graduate classes, operates dormitories and The Whiteley Center for Scholars, hosts conferences and workshops, supports scientific diving and other research from FHL-owned vessels and small boats, and runs a dining hall. Given this diversity of operations, FHL is also home to diverse users and visitors from all over the globe who come to learn, study, teach, and discover. FHL is committed to fostering an environment that is professional, ethical, inclusive and respectful of all who participate in our community, and expects all FHL employees, students and visitors to contribute positively to the community.
The property consists of coastal and upland habitat with 70 buildings, including onsite housing and a dining hall that is open for three quarters per year, as well as in winter for workshops and conferences. There are 12 lab buildings, 11 of which have flow-through seawater; a computer lab; a campus-wide mesh wifi network; and a stockroom that carries many of the consumables needed for the range of research conducted at the labs. There is a fully equipped lab for molecular biology, including an RT-PCR machine. FHL maintains a 42’ research vessel and smaller boats for nearshore work, an active SCUBA diving program, a cabled ocean observing center, flow cytometer, flume lab, and imaging facility.
FHL is a part of the UW College of the Environment, which includes six Schools and Departments plus multiple programs, institutes, and centers; the College connects educators, researchers, students and citizens, cultivating communities who work with and learn from each other while tackling critical environmental challenges. Field stations are focal points for both hands-on education and cutting-edge research. All FHL facilities are available to visiting and resident researchers, including students at all levels (with appropriate training), creating an egalitarian atmosphere. FHL has robust scholarship and internship programs that enable it to attract underrepresented minorities and students with limited financial resources. The wealth of research tools available in close proximity to healthy and diverse marine habitats make FHL an attractive destination for researchers and students from around the world. FHL postdocs therefore join a core group of resident faculty and graduate student researchers and have ample opportunities to interact with a broad spectrum of scientists from UW and beyond. Friday Harbor Labs is also a center for science outreach to K12 students, scientists, and the general public on San Juan Island. Postdocs at FHL frequently volunteer in our outreach program.
Instructions
To apply for this position, please apply via Interfolio. Applicants must submit:
1. Cover letter (up to 1 page) explaining your interest in this position;
2. A brief (1-2 page) research proposal describing potential research project(s) at FHL including potential faculty mentor(s). Address questions about this statement to FHL Director Megan Dethier (mdethier@uw.edu).
3. Curriculum Vitae
4. Names and contact information for three references.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
The University of Washington is committed to fostering an inclusive, respectful and welcoming community for all.
As an equal opportunity employer, the University considers applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status consistent with UW Executive Order No. 81.
Benefits Information
A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found at https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/benefits-orientation/benefit-summary-pdfs/. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits
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Disability Services
To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.