Ocean Exploration Trust: Science & Engineering Internship Program

https://nautiluslive.org/join/internship-program

The Science and Engineering Internship Program (SEIP) aims to train and provide real-world experience for community college, undergraduate, graduate students, and recent graduates up to 2 years studying ocean sciences, technology, engineering, and video in the at-sea environment. Intern positions entail 3-5 week periods working aboard E/V Nautilus as Data Loggers, Seafloor Mappers, ROV Pilots, or Video Systems Engineers. All interns spend their time on Nautilus working with a wide array of scientists, engineers, students, and educators.

OET offers four types of paid SEIP internships: Ocean Science, Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography, Video Systems Engineering, and ROV Engineering. OET offers a Navigation Internship in partnership with the US Naval Academy and US Coast Guard Academy for cadets and midshipmen from those institutions.

  • Ocean Science interns learn to make scientific observations, summarize scientific dive information, and preserve physical samples.
  • ROV Engineering interns learn to maintain and operate our remotely operated vehicles and associated systems.
  • Video Systems Engineering interns learn to operate camera controls for the remotely operated vehicles’ video systems and work with lead engineers in the operation and maintenance of all video systems aboard Nautilus.
  • Seafloor Mapping & Hydrography interns learn to acquire, manage, and process seafloor mapping data from a multibeam sonar, sub-bottom profiler, and auxiliary sensors (e.g. CTD, XBT).  

All interns gain experience in communications and leadership, including participation in educational outreach activities like broadcasts on NautilusLive.org and live ship-to-shore connections with classrooms. All internships include a paid stipend for participation along with travel to/from the expedition funded and arranged by OET. OET is committed to including and amplifying role models from all backgrounds. We encourage a broad pool of applicants, particularly students from communities near our expedition locations.  

Applications are now open for the 2026 exploration season! Application links for each internship, eligibility requirements, and helpful information can be found in our Application Packet.  Deadline: January 4, 2026 at 8 pm ET.

Applicants can apply for up to two internship disciplines.

PhD Studentship: Al and Behavioral Modelling – Using Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for Underwater Archaeology

University of Bradford

https://www.jobs.ac.uk/job/DPR640/phd-studentship-al-and-behavioral-modelling-using-artificial-intelligence-and-machine-learning-for-underwater-archaeology

Application Deadline: 28 January 2026

Project Supervisors:

Prof Vincent Gaffney
Dr Andrew Fraser

Project Description:

The University of Bradford is inviting applications for a PhD studentship in Archaeological Sciences, funded through the ERC Synergy Subnordica project. The student would be based at the Submerged Landscapes Centre, in the School of Archaeological and Forensic Sciences, at the University of Bradford.

This PhD studentship is integrated into work package 5 of the ERC Synergy Subnordica Project, which will combine data from across the entire project into a set of predictive models for comparative analysis across case study regions. The successful candidate will work on the development and application of AI/Machine learning and behavioural modelling within the North and Baltic seas, utilising legacy and new data collected as part of the wider project. The candidate will work closely with the wider Subnordica team, and our partners, in order to integrate data across a number of case study areas.

The successful candidate will start this project in June 2026.

The candidate should hold a masters, (or due for completion before the intended start), in a related discipline. Furthermore a background in machine learning/AI, geoarchaeology, environmental science, or computer science would be beneficial, but is not required, depending on equivalent experience.

Funding notes:

This project is funded by the European Research Council (ERC). The successful applicant will be awarded a studentship, which will cover Home tuition fees, plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £20,780 per year.

Funding for:

UK Students

Enquiries email name and address:  

For informal enquiries, please contact research@bradford.ac.uk

How to apply:

Formal applications can be submitted via the University of Bradford web site. Applicants should register an account, and include the project title on the Research Proposal section.

Science Program Officer: OceanX

https://job-boards.greenhouse.io/oceanx/jobs/5671821004

Science Program Officer

OceanX 

About OceanX:

OceanX is a nonprofit working to unlock the ocean’s sustainable potential. Through a dual focus on science and education, we’re building a new paradigm where humanity and the ocean mutually thrive. Our approach is fueled by exploration, leveraging advanced research, multimedia educational programs, cross-sector partnerships, and advanced technology to help transform how people understand and value the ocean. Our work strives to fortify biodiversity and increase the sustainable use of ocean resources to help ensure the ocean remains a foundation for human wellbeing and potential. OceanX is a nonprofit operating program of Dalio Philanthropies.

For more information, visit  www.oceanx.org and follow OceanX on FacebookInstagramX (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn.

Position Summary:

OceanX is seeking a Science Program Officer to drive scientific missions aboard the research vessel, OceanXplorer. Reporting directly to the OceanX co-CEO on all science-related matters, this role will play a central part in shaping and managing the science program. The Science Program Officer will collaborate closely with a multidisciplinary team spanning science, media, education, and marine operations, while serving as a key liaison with the global scientific and ocean exploration communities.

The ideal candidate will collaborate with external research organizations to identify, evaluate, and develop missions that are both scientifically significant and aligned with OceanX’s broader mission. With the support of team members, the Science Program Officer will contribute across the full mission lifecycle- from ideation and proposal review to planning, execution, and post-mission evaluation – ensuring that each expedition delivers meaningful scientific impact and storytelling value.

OceanX is an entrepreneurial environment which values team players who can manage priorities and workstreams simultaneously. To thrive and succeed within our unique culture and work environment, you must demonstrate humility, innate curiosity, and openness to new ideas/approaches. You also must be hard working, composed and goal oriented. All employees are expected to be honest, excited about providing and receiving objective feedback, constantly striving for self-improvement, and committed to the pursuit of excellence

Position Location:

New York City, NY

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Serve as expedition coordinator onboard the vessel, overseeing all elements of scientific missions
  • Act as Head of Scientific Operations while onboard, ensuring scientific missions are effectively executed
  • Lead outreach to the scientific and ocean exploration communities to build strategic alliances and partnerships in alignment with OceanX Partnerships
  • Evaluate and recommend science mission proposals in collaboration with Digital Programs, Partnerships, and Education teams
  • Manage communications on scientific programs and mission outputs with internal Digital Programs/Marketing & Communication teams and external partners (pre-mission, on-mission, and post-mission reporting)
  • Oversee planning and logistics to ensure timely delivery of mission enablers (e.g., permitting, scientific equipment, and supplies)
  • Direct onboard science and technical teams to ensure missions have the necessary resources and capabilities for success
  • Develop and maintain budgets for science operations and projects
  • Oversee Science team resources, including contractors, consultants, and onshore/offshore personnel
  • Willingness to spend extended periods at sea, with travel comprising up to 35% of the year
  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including early mornings or late evenings, to support cross-time zone collaboration
  • Adaptable to varying workloads, balancing periods of focused execution with lighter operational phases
  • Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications: 

  • Professional Experience:​
    • Master’s degree or Ph.D. in a related scientific field
    • 7+ years of experience in a comparable organization or domain (e.g., marine research, exploration, conservation, or science operations)
    • Proven experience coordinating or managing offshore missions, field-based research, or marine operations, with a strong professional network in the ocean science or exploration community
    • Background in marine science, oceanography, or related fieldwork; direct experience with oceanographic expeditions strongly preferred
    • Demonstrated success planning and executing complex, multi-stakeholder projects in dynamic and fast-paced environments
  • Personal Attributes:
    • Determined, resourceful and practical. An independent, self-starter, with a “roll up your sleeves” attitude and strong work ethic 
    • Agility, with a track record of getting things done 
    • Organized, reliable, and meticulous 
    • Ability to prioritize, meet tight deadlines, anticipate needs, and maintain high quality work
    • Strong interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal)
    • Comfortable with ambiguity
    • Maintains high standards
    • Highly collaborative 

Illustrative Benefits:  

  • Access to a World Class Exploration Vessel 
  • 100% company paid medical premiums 
  • 17 company paid holidays 
  • Friday summer hours 
  • Monthly community happy hours  
  • Hybrid work environment  
  • 2 One-Month Periods of Remote First Work 
  • Free catered food services for in-office Thursdays 
  • Generous PTO offering 
  • Casual dress code 
  • 150% 401(k) match up to $7,500 and 100% match above $7,500 ($15k match limit) 
  • Gym reimbursement, back up childcare services, insurance, financial, and legal services, and much more! 

Compensation: 

Compensation for the role includes a competitive salary in the range from $135,000 – 160,000 (inclusive of a merit-based bonus, dependent on years of experience, level of education obtained, as well as applicable skillset), potentially a success-driven incentive payment and an excellent benefits package, including a comprehensive employer paid medical plan and generous employer match for 401k. 

Please note that we do not provide immigration sponsorship for this position. OceanX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

All correspondence will remain confidential. 

Request for Proposals: In collaboration with Schmidt Ocean Institute

Ocean Exploration & Discovery

https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/grants-and-investments/rfp-soings

In collaboration with the Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI), the National Geographic Society has issued a request for proposals for ocean exploration and discovery. 

In 2022, SOI and the society began a partnership to advance ocean science and exploration, with a goal to provide early career ocean scientists from around the world the opportunity to lead impactful projects that explore, understand, and inform the protection of the ocean. The partnership also builds on both organizations’ commitments to support leadership development in the ocean sciences and provide funding and access to state-of-the-art research infrastructure.

Under this partnership, the organizations are recruiting and supporting early-career scientists who can take advantage of one berth space and the research infrastructure aboard SOI’s “Falkor (too)” research vessel during its 2026 season traversing the east coast of South America. The Falkor (too) provides cutting-edge space for pioneering ocean research and technology development projects. The vessel has onboard laboratories, underwater robot and camera capabilities, a high-performance computing system, and the ability to trial and implement new tools for capacity development and ocean research. To cover travel and project related costs, the society will award grants of up to $20,000 to selected research, conservation, and/or technology projects. Awardees will also join the Explorer Community as National Geographic Explorers and have access to opportunities for training, capacity development and network building.

In alignment with the outlined criteria, selected projects must occur in the identified regions Falkor (too) will traverse in 2026 and be compatible and/or aligned with at least one of the overarching expedition projects slated for the year. Projects will be prioritized that align with overarching expedition projects slated for the year within the following subfields: biogeochemistry, mid-water biodiversity exploration, physical oceanography, mesophotic ecosystems, marine technology, and underwater seamounts.

Funding requests for this opportunity can be up to $20,000. Projects can be up to one year in length and the fieldwork must occur in 2026.

Candidates should propose work that does not require additional onboard team members besides existing Falkor (too) staff who can support logistical and technical needs with onboard instruments; it is anticipated that a single berth will be available for this project. Candidates who demonstrate that they would benefit from access to scientific infrastructure on Falkor (too) for which they normally would not have access, and who have strong local networks that will further project impacts will also be prioritized.

This opportunity is best suited for early-career scientists with experience in marine sciences and the ability to lead ship-based oceanographic science, deep sea research, and/or other exploratory research with limited guidance. “Early-career professional” is defined as someone who is looking to establish themselves better in their field, and/or those seeking mentorship from others in their field and beyond. This funding opportunity is open to applicants over the age of 18.

University of Miami Lecturer

https://umiami.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMFaculty/job/Miami-FL/Lecturer—Environmental-Science—Policy_R100091026?emid=3640

The Environmental Science and Policy Department at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science is recruiting a 9-month Lecturer to teach and provide support to the Schools Dive Operations. Responsibilities include teaching approximately six classes annually related to scientific diving, underwater archaeology, and Exploration Science, including existing courses at the undergraduate and graduate level, with at least two new courses to be developed that focus on use of underwater technologies for research in support of the MPS Exploration Science track. 

Given the technical nature of this position, this person will work closely with and play a supporting role in the Dive Safety Office, dedicating approximately 50% of their time to activities associated with this office. They will also develop additional specialized, hands-on field classes to provide unique opportunities in experiential learning for undergraduate and graduate students. Desirable knowledge and skills for this position include submerged cultural resource management policy, a range of underwater archaeology technologies,  instructor status for scientific diving and diving related emergency training, familiarity with analytical laboratory techniques, photogrammetry, and fieldwork logistics.

A Ph.D. in a related field is required.

  • Must be a current scientific diver and first aid/CPR instructor
  • Must be knowledgeable of methods, procedures, policies and practices as outlined in the AAUS and the OSHA scientific diving exemption standards
  • Must be knowledgeable of federal, state and local diving rules and regulations
  • Must be knowledgeable in planning diving expeditions local and abroad, aboard ships and shore based, and project planning
  • Must be knowledgeable in the application of a variety of underwater scientific data collection techniques for a variety of scientific disciplines.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer – Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.

Click here for additional information.

Job Status:Full time

Employee Type: Faculty

Associate Scientist III with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS). This position will support NOAA Ocean Exploration’s (OER) mission through the collection, processing, and management of ocean exploration data.

https://ucar.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UCAR_Careers/job/Silver-Spring-MD/CPAESS-Associate-Scientist-III—Mapping-Technician_REQ-2025-105-1?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR6hOLl3vXk8Tp3mSCJEVi6CcyAJzkgkPgH8ZUuy0SOprtrJbISqzBJ8_96QgA_aem_SKznMZH9AfVr-BY_d-IokQ

UCAR is excited to announce the opening for an Associate Scientist III with the Cooperative Programs for the Advancement of Earth System Science (CPAESS). This position will support NOAA Ocean Exploration’s (OER) mission through the collection, processing, and management of ocean exploration data. This position is part of a dynamic technical operations team and plays a vital role in conducting multidisciplinary scientific expeditions, including at-sea data acquisition aboard the Okeanos Explorer for 60–120 days per year. The CPAESS Associate Scientist III will contribute to high-quality geospatial and acoustic data products, help develop and maintain standard operating procedures, and mentor early-career interns during field deployments. The role also includes collaborative project work ashore, public data stewardship, and engaging with the broader scientific community through outreach and training efforts.

CPAESS serves the Earth System Science community in three distinct areas of service. We partner with federal agencies and businesses to hire critical scientific staff, enabling a more robust workforce. Through our scientific programs, we seek to edify new research with our postdoctoral programs, our visiting scientist and internship programs, along with our interagency support programs. We also help build the Earth system science community by convening and managing summer schools and institutes, conferences, and advisory committees.

Position Details:

Visa Sponsored Job:No

Relocation Assistance Eligible:No

Job Location: Silver Spring, Maryland

Position Type & Term:Full time, Regular

Compensation Range:

Hiring Range: $87,818 – $109,772

*Final salary and rates are based on education, experience, and skills relevant to the role.*

Application Notes

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until 11:59:59 p.m. MT on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Applications will not be accepted past this date.

Required application materials (preferably in PDF Format): 

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter – Please address how your skills and experience meet the needs of this position using the following prompts as guidance:
    1. Describe experience processing or analyzing geospatial or acoustic data, including tools used and how your work contributed to project success.
    2. Working aboard a vessel requires endurance, adaptability, and technical readiness. Share your experiences handling technical, environmental, and team-related scenarios on board a vessel at sea.
    3. Part of this role involves mentoring interns and supporting outreach efforts. Elaborate on a time you trained or mentored someone (formally or informally) in a technical or operational skill, including strategies used and the outcome.

Work Location: 

This position is open to candidates seeking in-person, hybrid (combination of in-person and remote), and/or fully remote opportunities.

UCAR requires ALL positions to be performed within the U.S., excluding U.S. Territories. CPAESS staff deployed to federal agencies must abide by their respective federal agency requirements concerning remote/flexible work arrangements.

Background Checks: Federal screens and UCAR background checks are conducted for candidates selected for hire. Learn more.

What You Will Do

Here is a summary of what one would expect to be generally responsible for in this role.

Key Responsibilities

Geospatial Data Processing & Hydrographic Analysis

Acquiring and processing mapping and environmental data using sonar systems, GIS tools, and related sensors.

  • Process and quality control multibeam sonar and other acoustic data (e.g., single-beam, sub-bottom profiler), removing anomalies and ensuring fidelity across datasets.
  • Apply geospatial tools (e.g., ArcPro, Qimera) to synthesize pre-cruise datasets and prioritize survey areas in under-explored regions.
  • Maintain and organize data archives and databases to ensure continuity and accessibility of products and metadata.
  • Generate data products post-cruise (e.g., bathymetric maps, water column visualizations, habitat maps, biodiversity analysis, story maps, web stories) for integration into NOAA and public repositories.
  • Adhere to NOAA and partner protocols for data structure, naming conventions, and submission to national archives.
     

Ocean Mapping Operations & At-Sea Readiness

Leading watch shifts, supporting expedition logistics, and mentoring while at sea.

  • Stand 12-hour watches at sea, ensuring system performance, troubleshooting issues with the chief scientist, and maintaining operational logs.
  • Support ROV and CTD operations, including water sample filtering for eDNA analysis, assisting with biological and geological sample documentation and packaging, serving as an ROV navigator, and data logging.
  • Train and mentor early-career mapping interns during expeditions, using standardized onboard procedures.
  • Assist with collecting and logging environmental and acoustic data (e.g., sonar, CTD, eDNA, ROV data, and annotations).
  • Ensure personal physical and mental readiness for offshore deployments totaling 60–120 days annually.
     

Systems Development, Planning, & Process Improvement

Managing data pipelines, contributing to planning processes, and developing procedures and tools to improve operations.

  • Draft and update standard operating procedures (SOPs) in collaboration with onboard and shore-based teams, incorporating lessons learned and evolving technologies.
  • Maintain structured wrap-up and post-cruise deliverables, including data synthesis, analytics, and open data reporting to enable follow-on science and ensure public accessibility.
  • Support campaign planning and inter-expedition coordination through improved data packaging, reporting workflows, and resource documentation.
  • Contribute to evaluations of new technologies and methodologies to optimize current mapping, ROV, sampling, and data collection operations.
  • Identify opportunities for operational streamlining and work with the Technical Operations team to implement scalable improvements.
     

Science Communication, Collaboration & Knowledge Sharing

Sharing scientific knowledge through training, outreach, and community engagement.

  • Lead or co-lead onboard training sessions for early-career interns or technicians using NOAA standard protocols.
  • Participate in and represent the organization at interdisciplinary science conferences, trainings, and external planning meetings.
  • Collaborate with scientists, engineers, and partner organizations to share knowledge on mapping, sampling, and ROV operational best practices.
  • Develop public-facing educational and outreach products to promote NOAA Ocean Exploration’s mission and findings.
  • Communicate project goals, timelines, and progress across diverse teams and partners through written documentation and verbal updates.

Who We’d Love To Join Our Team

Successful candidates will ensure their application materials speak to the following criteria:

Education & Experience

REQUIRED

  • Bachelor’s (or equivalent) degree in a scientific discipline pertinent to an NCAR/UCAR scientific program (i.e., oceanography).
  • 3- 5 years as an Associate Scientist II (or equivalent education/position) with evidence of considerable professional progress and substantial/relevant research experience.

PREFERRED

  • Experience working in an offshore environment using ocean exploration tools with a focus on interpretation of deep-sea biology (e.g., ROV, uncrewed systems, multibeam and other acoustic sonars, and/or Conductivity-Temperature-Depth (CTD) instrumentation).

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated skill and ability applying knowledge of geospatial data (e.g., GIS programs and tools, and acoustic mapping).
  • Ability to meet physical requirements for being in the office and on a vessel, including the ability to lead 12-hour watch shifts at sea, seven days per week, while providing mentorship to a student intern assigned to the same shift as lead watchstander.
  • Well-developed data management, organization skills, and a keen attention to detail and situational awareness. 
  • Strong interpersonal skills to enable working as part of operational teams, as well as a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively (verbally and in writing) with students, colleagues, and external partners.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead training sessions while onboard the vessel and participate in training onboard.
  • Well-developed communication of project planning and execution details.

Benefits Overview 

UCAR affirms its commitment to employees through competitive benefits. In addition to medical, dental, vision, retirement, and life insurance,  UCAR offers a variety of programs focused on work-life balance and professional, and personal development. These include:

  • Tuition Assistance, time off allowance to attend classes, and other professional development opportunities
  • UCAR contributes 10% of your eligible pay into your retirement account; 100% fully vested on day one
  • Starting minimum accrual of 20 days of personal time off each year (prorated for less than full-time positions)
  • 10 paid holidays
  • 10 days of sick leave each year
  • 12 weeks of paid parental leave
  • Short-term medical leave paid at 100% of your regular salary
  • EcoPass for local Colorado residents to use the Denver and Boulder-area transit system at no cost

Announcing NOAA Ocean Exploration FY25 Funding Opportunity

NOAA Ocean Exploration is pleased to announce its Ocean Exploration Fiscal Year 2025 Funding Opportunity. NOAA Ocean Exploration is dedicated to exploring the unknown ocean, unlocking its potential through scientific discovery, technological advancements, partnerships, and data delivery. By leading national efforts to fill gaps in basic understanding of the marine environment, we are providing critical ocean data, information, and awareness needed to strengthen the economy, health, and security of the United States and the world.

NOAA Ocean Exploration is soliciting proposals for ocean exploration-related projects under two themes. By supporting exploration, i.e., discovery through disciplined, diverse observations, NOAA Ocean Exploration seeks to advance our basic understanding of waters under U.S. jurisdiction. All proposals must support priorities in the NOAA Ocean Exploration Strategic Plan and should also consider the Strategic Priorities for Ocean Exploration and Characterization of the United States Exclusive Economic Zone. Proposed projects are not restricted to waters under U.S. jurisdiction, but proposals should address how projects will provide national benefit.

For Fiscal Year 2025 funding, NOAA Ocean Exploration is soliciting proposals focused on either one of the following two themes:

OCEAN EXPLORATION: Ocean Exploration proposals should support exploration of unknown or poorly known ocean areas, processes, or resources in waters deeper than 200 meters or in tropical mesophotic environments. Projects can entail conducting ocean exploration (e.g., mapping and characterizing ocean habitats, combining seismic and acoustic methods), advancing ocean exploration through the use or development of novel technologies (e.g., autonomous systems, nondestructive sensors, artificial intelligence/machine learning), and/or analysis of ocean exploration datasets or samples that already exist and are publicly accessible. NOAA Ocean Exploration is particularly interested in projects that explore the physical, chemical, and biological environments and processes in the deep oceanic water column and projects that will improve genetic libraries for species-level environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis of deep-sea species. All proposals must demonstrate how the proposed project relates to at least one of the exploration variables identified by NOAA Ocean Exploration.

MARITIME HERITAGE: Maritime Heritage proposals should address the exploration for significant maritime heritage resources that improve our understanding of the past and inform decisions about management and preservation. Maritime heritage projects can be conducted at any water depth. NOAA Ocean Exploration is particularly interested in proposals that target conflict archeology, incorporate Indigenous knowledge, or perform wide-area searches in areas poorly mapped for maritime heritage. NOAA Ocean Exploration welcomes the use of innovative technology and/or methods for quantitative assessment of targets to improve archaeological site identification and documentation.

The deadline for the pre-proposals, which are required, is May 30, 2024, at 4:59 p.m. ET. Full proposals are due by October 3, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET.

The notice of funding opportunity was published on April 2, 2024, and is accessible through the NOAA Ocean Exploration website, on Grants.gov, and attached for your convenience. 

A webinar about the funding opportunity will be held on April 16, 2024, at 3 p.m. EDT. Registration is open. A recording will be posted on the funding opportunities web page after the event. Additional questions may be directed to oer.nofo2025@noaa.gov.