JETZON jobs and PhDs

(1/2) Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate- Marine Acoustics and Oceanography - Florida International University

Research Emphasis: The Marine Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory at Florida International University seeks an outstanding postdoctoral researcher to join the DEEPEND Consortium, a multidisciplinary collaboration investigating the ecology of deep-pelagic ecosystems in the Gulf of Mexico. This position offers an exciting opportunity to integrate an extensive time series of active acoustic observations with physical oceanographic datasets to better understand the environmental drivers of mesopelagic ecosystem structure and dynamics.

The successful candidate will lead research that combines multifrequency echosounder observations with shipboard oceanographic measurements (ADCP, CTD, etc.) together with regional ocean circulation and biogeochemical products such as HYCOM, satellite observations, and other environmental reanalysis products. The overarching goal is to quantify how physical processes including mesoscale eddies and water mass variability influence the spatial distribution, vertical migration, biomass, and community structure of mesopelagic organisms.

The position emphasizes quantitative data integration and predictive ecosystem science. The successful candidate will develop workflows that merge diverse observational and modeled datasets, apply advanced statistical or machine learning approaches, and generate predictive models linking acoustic backscatter to environmental variability across multiple spatial and temporal scales. The postdoctoral researcher will collaborate closely with more than twenty scientists from universities, federal agencies, and research institutions participating in the DEEPEND Consortium. Opportunities exist to contribute to ongoing field programs, mentor graduate and undergraduate students, publish in leading journals, and develop competitive research proposals that build upon the consortium’s long-term observational datasets.

Candidates should possess expertise in one or more of the following areas:

  • Marine acoustics or fisheries acoustics
  • Physical oceanography
  • Oceanographic data assimilation or environmental modeling
  • Quantitative ecology or ecosystem modeling
  • Geospatial analysis and large environmental datasets
  • Statistical modeling, ML/AI, scientific programming

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in oceanography, marine science, ecology, fisheries science, engineering, applied mathematics, computer science, or a closely related discipline by the start of the appointment. Strong quantitative skills, demonstrated publication record, and enthusiasm for interdisciplinary collaboration are essential

Position Background: The College of Arts, Science & Education (CASE) at Florida International University (FIU), Miami, FL (USA), invites applications for the 2026-2027 cohort to the CASE Distinguished Postdoctoral Scholars Program. This program is designed to support and enhance the professional development of promising early-career scholars engaged in research in the sciences and humanities with the potential for future placement in tenure-track positions.

While the primary focus for the Postdoctoral Scholars will be to conduct scholarly activities and research, they will also be expected to interact with graduate students, participate in outreach efforts, and submit competitive research proposals where appropriate. The Postdoctoral Scholars will have the opportunity to teach if desired and will also be able to interact with faculty from across the College, as well as additional FIU faculty and external partners affiliated with the university.

Appointments will have a term of one year starting in Fall 2026. A second-year renewal will be contingent upon accomplishments over the past year and require a recommendation from the mentor. In addition to salary, the scholar will receive benefits plus a discretionary fund of up to $5,000/year for research and travel expenditures. Candidates will be selected based on demonstration of scholarly promise and potential future impact on their respective field of study. Candidates must have obtained a Ph.D. from their home institution before the start of the appointment, usually the beginning of the Fall semester (August 13, 2026).

Application: Candidates should apply to Job Opening ID 537423 at careers.fiu.edu 
Deadline: 18 July 2026

 

(2/2) Post-doc position: Southern Ocean carbon export fluxes estimated from space, Caltech, USA

The position will remain open until filled, although a start in summer or early fall 2026 is preferred.

The transfer of carbon from the surface to the deep ocean largely occurs through the sinking of particulate matter. However, in certain locations, strong vertical ocean currents also carry organic carbon away from the surface, a process known as the ocean’s mixing pump. Estimates suggest that the mixing pump accounts for up to 50% of the total carbon export from the surface in energetic 
regions, like the Southern Ocean.

This project will leverage data collected from NASA’s SWOT and PACE satellite missions to study the Southern Ocean mixing pump. The SWOT mission provides sea surface height measurements at kilometer-scale resolution with opportunities to estimate vertical ocean velocities. The PACE mission measures the intensity of light at fine resolution (5 nm), which permits an assessment of community composition and its evolution over a seasonal cycle.

This project aims to produce a quantitative, large-scale assessment of the mixing component of the ocean’s biological pump in the Southern Ocean. The study will evaluate the ocean features and physical processes that shape the mixing pump to understand future changes to this component of total carbon export. This is a collaborative project between Caltech and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, with opportunities to work with Andy Thompson, Christen Frankenburg, Lia Siegelman, and other faculty at 
both institutions.

Minimum qualifications:

  • PhD in the earth sciences, data science, applied mathematics, or other related field;
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills as demonstrated through a track record of publications 
    and presentations;
  • Ability to pursue research independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Preferred qualifications:

  • Experience analyzing large data sets or using machine learning techniques;
  • Prior research experience in submesoscale dynamics and/or biogeochemical cycling

This is a 2-year postdoctoral position (with initial appointment for 1 year with a second year pending good progress). 

To apply please submit a cover letter (explaining interest and relevant qualifications), CV (including list of publications), and contact information for up to three references by email to Andy Thompson (andrewt@caltech.edu). References will only be contacted for shortlisted candidates. A Group Resources and Expectations Guide is provided at (https://web.gps.caltech.edu/~andrewt/). Questions about the project may be directed to Andy Thompson (andrew@caltech.edu) or Lia Siegelman (lsiegelman@ucsd.edu)