Expedition Leader

Job Description

Expedition Leader: Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (RSE 3)

The School of Oceanography has an outstanding opportunity for an expedition leader (RSE 3) to join their team.

About this Opportunity

Reporting to the Operations Manager for SEASAM, Research Scientist/Engineer 3 (RSE 3) serves as a senior technical lead supporting seafloor sampling, scientific instrumentation, and oceanographic field operations for a complex marine research program. This position provides advanced technical expertise in the operation, maintenance, improvement, and quality assurance of seafloor sampling systems and associated instrumentation used in shipboard and shore-based research activities. Working with a high degree of independence, the RSE 3 develops and implements standard operating procedures, leads equipment troubleshooting and improvement efforts, supports multidisciplinary expeditions, and coordinates across operations, data, repository, and outreach teams. The role contributes to long-term program capability by improving system reliability, supporting training and mentorship, and helping shape operational practices for scientific and educational use of seafloor sampling technologies.

Key Responsibilities

Shipboard Support (40%): Lead safe and effective shipboard deployment of a wide variety of coring and dredging equipment on a breadth of Academic Research Fleet and other platforms. Ensure operational practices are consistent with shipboard safety expectations, vessel constraints, and applicable program requirements. Identify compliance-related concerns and coordinate appropriately with supervisory and shipboard leadership. Contribute to collection, interpretation, and analysis of seafloor characterization data to support site selection and expedition planning. Maintain working familiarity with multibeam bathymetry, sub-bottom profiling, and related geophysical tools used in site characterization. Apply technical knowledge to help evaluate sampling feasibility, bottom conditions, and operational constraints at candidate sites. Lead or significantly contribute to sampling process QA/QC in collaboration with the Operations Manager, Repository Coordinator, and Data Coordinator. Establish and refine quality control procedures to ensure sample integrity, metadata completeness, traceability, and operational consistency. Review field and operational records for accuracy and completeness and help identify process improvements that reduce error and improve reproducibility. Maintain sampling equipment and associated sensors and track systems in working order at sea. Provide technical guidance during multidisciplinary cruises and assist other scientific and technical teams using shared shipboard systems, including OBS, Jason, and other complex platforms.

Inventory Maintenance (30%): Serve as a senior technical resource for the operation, maintenance, troubleshooting, and continual improvement of seafloor sampling devices and associated instrumentation. Independently assess equipment performance and identify operational risks, reliability issues, and opportunities for technical enhancement. Collaborate with the Operations Manager to establish equipment maintenance priorities, development roadmaps, and long-term technical support strategies. Evaluate and recommend hardware and workflow improvements, including coupler hardware, camera mounting solutions, deployment rigging, and other mechanical or instrumentation upgrades. Support integration, testing, calibration, and operational readiness of sampling systems for shipboard deployment. Maintain clear, consistent documentation for equipment use, maintenance history, operational lessons learned, and troubleshooting outcomes.

Cruise Planning (15%): Work with Operations Manager on the development, revision, and implementation of detailed SOPs, checklists, operational guides, and technical documentation for seafloor sampling systems and associated workflows. Ensure procedures reflect current best practices, vessel-specific constraints, safety requirements, and research objectives. Coordinate closely with ship's seagoing technicians, Operations personnel, and scientific party members to plan deck layouts, overboarding workflows, mobilization/demobilization procedures, and operational sequencing. Participate actively in cruise planning and technical coordination to ensure safe, efficient, and scientifically effective use of sampling systems. Maintain working knowledge of UNOLS Appendix A and B and their implications for overboarding sampling devices, shipboard operations, and technical procedures.

Professional Development (10%): Represent the program in technical meetings, working groups, and professional forums such as RVTECH. Stay current on emerging technologies, methods, and operational practices relevant to seafloor sampling and oceanographic field operations. Travel domestically and internationally to observe, evaluate, and learn from technologies, workflows, and technical practices used by other organizations, and to contribute knowledge back to the program. Implement best practices and contribute to improvement of internal operations, training, and technical infrastructure.

Education and Outreach (5%): Mentor and support new technical staff, researchers, students, and visiting scientists in the safe and effective use of seafloor sampling systems. Provide hands-on training and operational guidance to new technicians and principal investigators. Contribute to development and delivery of educational materials, workshops, training sessions, and outreach programming in collaboration with the Impact Manager and other program staff. Participate in ship-to-classroom or public-facing outreach activities, including live virtual engagements and field-based demonstrations.

Required Qualifications

To be considered for this opportunity your application must demonstrate you meet both the minimum qualifications and additional qualifications listed below. Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in oceanography, engineering, marine science, physical science, or a related field and four years of relevant experience.

Four years' experience supporting seafloor sampling operations and associated instrumentation, including jumbo piston coring and deep ocean dredging

Equivalent education and/or experience may substitute for minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license, certification, and/or registration.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced hands-on experience with seafloor sampling systems, shipboard deployment workflows, and associated instrumentation including both jumbo piston coring and dredging systems.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and improve SOPs, technical documentation, and operational protocols.
• Experience independently troubleshooting complex mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, or workflow issues in field or research settings.
• Strong working knowledge of shipboard operations, including deck logistics, overboarding practices, and coordination with vessel technical staff.
• Demonstrated experience in QA/QC processes for samples, metadata, operational records, or research workflows.
• Proven ability to collaborate across multiple teams, exercise sound judgment, and prioritize technical work with minimal supervision.
• Experience mentoring, training, or guiding staff, students, or research personnel in technical procedures.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate technical information to scientific, operational, and public audiences.
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally and participate in extended shipboard or field deployments.
• Experience supporting science operations aboard the Academic Research Fleet and/or other research vessel platforms
• Experience with multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiling, and/or seafloor characterization methods.
• Experience contributing to or leading seafloor sampling equipment design, modifications, prototyping, or systems improvement efforts.
• Familiarity with UNOLS standards, shipboard safety requirements, and marine operations workflows.
• Experience developing and/or presenting educational materials, delivering outreach, or supporting public engagement activities.
• Experience working across operations, data management, curation, and repository functions.

Working Conditions

• This position may require extended periods at sea, including overnight and multiweek cruises for typically at least 3 and up to 6 months per year.
• Work may involve physically demanding tasks, changing weather conditions, and shipboard safety requirements.
• The role requires flexibility, attention to detail, and the ability to adapt to evolving operational priorities.
• Compensation, Benefits and Position Details

Pay Range Minimum:

$84,000.00 annual

Pay Range Maximum:

$91,200.00 annual

Other Compensation:

• Benefits:

For information about benefits for this position, visit https://www.washington.edu/jobs/benefits-for-uw-staff/

Shift:

First Shift (United States of America)

Temporary or Regular?

This is a regular position

FTE (Full-Time Equivalent):

100.00%

Union/Bargaining Unit:

UAW Research

About the UW

Working at the University of Washington provides a unique opportunity to change lives - on our campuses, in our state and around the world.

UW employees bring their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to building stronger minds and a healthier world. In return, they enjoy outstanding benefits, opportunities for professional growth and the chance to work in an environment known for its diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.

Our Commitment

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.

To request disability accommodation in the application process, contact the Disability Services Office at 206-543-6450 or dso@uw.edu.

Applicants considered for this position will be required to disclose if they are the subject of any substantiated findings or current investigations related to sexual misconduct at their current employment and past employment. Disclosure is required under Washington state law.