Science Systems Specialist

Schmidt Ocean Institute (SOI) was founded by Eric and Wendy Schmidt in 2009 with a goal to advance the frontiers of ocean exploration and research through technological advancement, intelligent observation, and open sharing of information. This is achieved by making ship time and associated assets freely available to scientists globally. In exchange, SOI supports public sharing of acquired scientific observations, data, and other information about the ocean to stimulate the growth of data applications and user community and to amplify and enable further exploration, discovery, deeper understanding, and effective conservation and management of our environment.

Location: Woodinville, Washington, US. Must be able to work in the office a minimum of three
days/week.

The Schmidt Ocean Institute Science Systems Specialist supports cruise planning on the Institute’s Research Vessel Falkor (too) and management of the maritime instrumentation and scientific equipment, including calibration and maintenance. This person reports to the Science Systems Senior Manager and is part of the Maritime Infrastructure Division, working closely with the Institute’s shoreside staff and Vessel crews, and liaising with collaborating scientists and engineers. The Science Systems Specialist also assists the Senior Manager with research into new and upcoming technologies to ensure the Institute’s science equipment maintains cutting-edge capabilities.

Cruise Project Support
● Plan and implement the science technical requirements for each science cruise.
● Execute priorities and projects regarding the cruise preparation timelines.
● Support the collaborating Science teams to prepare for at-sea work in accordance with the Institute’s guidelines and timelines.
● Ensure science needs on board are adequately resourced, in coordination with the Senior Manager.
● Identify and procure additional science equipment for cruises or other facilities.
● Discuss scientific equipment needs on cruises during regular Maritime Infrastructure Division meetings to ensure smooth cruise operations.
● Maintain the flow of information and documentation regarding science and technical requirements between the Institute’s shoreside team and Vessel shipboard personnel.
● Facilitate the efficient transfer of scientific data in coordination with the Institute’s Data Division.
● Maintain familiarity with operational procedures aboard the Vessel.
● Participate in the research proposal review and selection process for future science cruises activities.

Scientific Equipment and Instrumentation Coordination
● Plan and execute the maintenance, repair, and calibration of scientific equipment.
● Document sensor operations and calibrations.
● Support shipboard science operations by coordinating purchasing, shipping, and vendor support requests.
● Provide expertise in technical meetings with external partners.
● Ensure familiarity with marine scientific equipment operational procedures aboard the Vessel.
● Periodically work aboard the vessel in port or at sea during shipyard periods, sea trials, crew training, and the integration of new sensors and equipment.
● Support the expansion of science capabilities, new instrumentation installations, shipyard periods, and vendor scheduling.

Expanding Future Capabilities
● Research trends in marine and atmospheric scientific equipment to inform the Senior Manager of future technologies and capabilities.
● Broaden depth of knowledge in the field of scientific instrumentation, marine innovation, and oceanographic science through training and participation in relevant conferences and workshops.
● Identify potential collaborative partnerships to help advance marine scientific capabilities.
● Assist the Senior Manager in planning for future capabilities for the vessel.
● Collect and organize research data to support multi-year strategic budget planning based on technology trends.
● Support testing of new scientific instrumentation with science collaborators, partners, Vessel crewmembers, and others.

Other
● Participate in shoreside team meetings.
● Maintain current knowledge of the Institute’s projects, Vessel cruise plans, and Vessel operations.
● Occasionally work a flexible schedule to support the Institute’s operations in other time zones.
● Occasionally work across the Institute’s various locations, including offices, warehouses, shipyards and onboard the Vessel.
● Travel internationally to attend meetings, the Vessel, or for other events.
● Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements
To be considered for the Science Services Coordinator role, an applicant must possess:
● A degree in Marine Science, Physical Science, or Engineering Science or 4 years of technical schooling and technical job experience.
● At least 3 years of experience sailing aboard ocean-going research vessels in a technical capacity.
● Proven hands-on experience with shipboard scientific instrumentation, including underway seawater sensors, CTD rosette systems, scientific sonars, and meteorological systems.
● Ability to sail aboard the Institute’s Vessel.
● Own or have the ability to obtain a Passport.
● Fluency in speaking, reading, and writing the English language.
● Possess or be able to obtain STCW-95 Basic Safety Training certification.
● Strong communication, interpersonal, collaboration, and time management skills.
● Detail-oriented.

Preferred Requirements
● Possess a valid driver’s license.
● Familiarity with Google Workplace.
● Ability to adapt and respond to ill-defined situations.
● Additional language skills.

All citizenships are welcome to apply. Non-US applicants must be able to obtain the necessary
work authorization to work full-time in the US at the Institute’s Woodinville, Washington office.

This is an exempt position.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we strive to create an atmosphere where diversity of identity, experience, and background are welcomed, valued, and supported. We believe that diversity brings about greater results on all levels and we aim to use our resources to generate greater impact through our work. Candidates who contribute to this diversity are strongly encouraged to apply.