We are searching for a candidate to join a diverse, multidisciplinary team of scientists and engineers to work on issues surrounding marine invasive species, biofouling, energy efficiency, microplastics, bio-deterioration, carbon dioxide removal, and potentially other topics related to human activities and operations in the marine environment. Our work supports decision makers in the U.S. federal government (e.g., the U.S. Coast Guard, the Navy, Department of Transportation, and the EPA), but we are active contributors to scientific community, and opportunities for both basic and applied research are available.  The candidate’s skill set may include invertebrate biology, molecular or microbial biology, marine chemistry or geochemistry, numerical modeling, sensors and instrumentation, analytical approaches, or test and evaluation.  Most importantly, the candidate will be a problem-solver willing to learn new skills (in addition to apply skills already mastered).  The team includes personnel at NRL’s headquarters (Washington, DC), at NRL’s blue-water test facility (Key West, FL), as well as offsite personnel. Work may occur in the office, the laboratory, or the field (including, potentially, shipboard work), as necessary.  The job will be based in Washington, DC, but travel to local, national (including to Key West), and international locations is possible.

Recent Publications:

1.       First, M.R.; Robbins-Wamsley, S.H.; Riley, S.C.; Grant, J.F.; Molina, V.; Wier, T.P. None detected: What “zero” indicates in direct counts of aquatic microorganisms in treated ballast water.  Front. Mar. Sci., 1034386,1-8, https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2022.1034386

2.       First, M.R.; Riley, S.C.; Islam, K.A.; Hill, V.; Li, J.; Zimmerman, R.C.; Drake, L.A. Rapid quantification of biofouling with an inexpensive, underwater camera and image analysis. Manag. Biolog. Invasions. 2021,12, 599-617.  https://doi.org/10.3391/mbi.2021.12.3.06

3.       Georgiades, E.; Scianni, C.; Davidson, I.C.; Tamburri, M.N.; First, M.R.; Ruiz, G.; Ellard, K.; Deveney, M.; Kluza, D. The Role of vessel biofouling in the translocation of marine pathogens: Management considerations and challenges.  Front. Mar. Sci. 2021, 8:660125, 1-20. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2021.660125  

key words

Environment; invasive species; ballast water; biofouling; shipping; biofilms; discharges; marine chemistry

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants