Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate
Marine Acoustics and Oceanography
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.
Applications:
For more information and how to apply find job Opening ID 537423 at careers.fiu.edu
Applications close July 18, 2026.
