Careers

The Oceanographic Technical Services Group at ASU BIOS is seeking an experienced Marine Science Technician to join our team supporting research onboard the R/V Atlantic Explorer. Our primary area of operation is in the sub-tropical North Atlantic supporting some of the world’s longest running oceanographic time-series studies.

This is a hands-on technical role supporting operations and oceanographic research. We are looking for someone who enjoys operating, maintaining, troubleshooting and improving scientific instrumentation and shipboard systems. Success in this position comes from solving technical problems, keeping complex systems running reliably and enabling scientists to collect high-quality data.

This is a rotational, predominantly ship-based position. The successful candidate will typically spend approximately 150 days per year at sea, working closely with fellow technicians, the ship’s crew and visiting scientists to deliver safe and successful research missions. consist of approximately 90 days alternating between time at sea and work ashore, followed by approximately 35 days off. Overtime accrued while at sea, together with 15 days of annual leave, allows off-rotation periods to be fully paid. Remaining overtime is paid as additional remuneration.

Main Duties and Responsibilities will include:

• Provide technical and logistical support for operations onboard R/V Atlantic Explorer and ashore at ASU BIOS.
• Take primary responsibility for a range of seagoing instrumentation and technical systems.
  Operate, maintain, and repair oceanographic instruments, navigation and communication systems.
• Coordinate calibration and maintenance schedules for instrumentation and equipment.
• Operate, maintain, and repair shipboard IT network, data acquisition and satellite internet systems.
• Design, construct and modify electronic and mechanical systems to support evolving operational needs.
• Diagnose and repair mechanical and electronic equipment.
• Lead/assist with cruise mobilization and demobilization.
• Lead/oversee deck operations such as the deployment and recovery of CTDs, deep-water moorings, gliders, MOCNESS systems, sediment grabs and various other scientific equipment.
• Train visiting scientists and junior marine technicians in proper operation of shipboard systems and instrumentation.
• Serve as the primary technical liaison between science party and ship's crew, providing professional, responsive technical support before, during and after research cruises.

Essential Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Successful candidates can come from marine science, oceanography, engineering, electronics, physics, mechanical trades or other disciplines. Practical experience, technical aptitude and problem-solving ability are valued as highly as formal qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent combination of technical schooling and relevant job experience) in Marine, Physical or Engineering Science.
• A proven track record of providing technical support aboard research vessels or in similar environments.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and an ability to diagnose complex mechanical, electrical, electronics and IT systems.
• Strong mechanical aptitude and confidence using hand and power tools.
• Mechanical skills and aptitude with basic hand and power tools.
• Experience using diagnostic and test equipment to troubleshoot systems.
• Demonstrated seagoing experience with proven ability to work on deck for scientific operations.

The most successful technicians in this role are naturally curious, enjoy understanding how complex systems work and take pride in keeping them operating reliably in demanding environments. They are practical problem-solvers who remain calm under pressure, enjoy working as part of a close-knit team and take satisfaction in enabling world-class science through technical excellence.

Interested candidates should email their applications including a cover letter, resume/CV and three references to [email protected] and [email protected]

ASU BIOS is an equal opportunity employer and operates a drug-free workplace and learning environment.
 

The Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences (BIOS) is accepting applications for Master for the oceanographic research vessel Atlantic Explorer. The R/V Atlantic Explorer is part of the Academic Research Fleet (ARF) with operational funding from the U.S. National Science Foundation. 

Position Description

The Master is responsible for the overall command of the ship, the safe operation and navigation of the vessel, ensuring compliance with all applicable national and international maritime regulations, managing the crew, and maintaining the safety of all cargo, equipment, and supernumeraries. This role requires strong leadership, decision-making ability, administrative and communication skills, along with a thorough understanding of navigation, ship handling, and emergency procedures. Apropos the operation of the R/V Atlantic Explorer, the Master is specifically responsible for the logistics of science operations involving the Chief Scientists and/or Principal Investigators (PI's) in conjunction with BIOS’s Marine Technical Services personnel as well as providing the leadership and guidance required for ensuring successful science cruises.

Among the duties and tasks, the Master is expected to perform are planning and executing scientific voyages, monitoring weather and sea conditions, and ensuring that the vessel adheres to all safety and environmental regulations. The Master is also responsible for maintaining accurate records, including logs of ship movements, cargo and scientific equipment manifests, and crew activities. In addition to operational duties, the Master plays a key role in crew management, including training, performance evaluation, and conflict resolution. The Master works closely with the ship's officers and shore-based management regarding logistics, maintenance schedules, and compliance audits. The position may involve extended periods at sea and require adaptability to changing conditions and schedules. This is a critical leadership role which demands an initiative-taking approach to risk management, a deep understanding of maritime operations, and the ability to make sound decisions under pressure.

Duties / Responsibilities (include but not limited to)

• Overseeing the maintenance and operation of select deck and safety equipment, cargo handling gear, all machinery as well as all engineering-related components, equipment, gear, and tools.
• Effectively maintaining, operating, and/or supervising all engineering-related aspects of the R/V Atlantic Explorer such as operating the ship’s crane, A-Frames, trawl winches, instrument winches, and CTD winch as necessary to accomplish each specific scientific operation in a safe and efficient manner.
• Actively participating in the servicing, repair or replacement of engineering-related systems and machinery on the R/V Atlantic Explorer and interfacing directly with the vessel’s Master for repairs on equipment deemed critical to the safe navigation or operation of the vessel.
• Actively participating in all scheduled and impromptu shipyard periods, drydocking events, and other unplanned maintenance events by preparing the vessel when such events arise, assisting shipyard workers, service technicians, equipment representatives, and external maintenance personnel in such situations, and assisting and supervising the vessel’s engineering crew in such circumstances.
• Assuming overall responsibility for cleanliness and organization of engine-room and other machinery spaces.

Qualifications

• U.S. Coast Guard License as Master of Ocean Self-Propelled Vessels of less than 1,600 GRT.
• STCW Endorsement as Master of Vessels of 500 GT or More and Less Than 3,000 GT.
• STCW Endorsements of GMDSS Operator (IV/2), Vessel Security Officer (VI/5), Medical First Aid Provider (VI/4-1), Person In Charge of Medical Care (VI/4-2), Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats Other Than Fast Rescue Boats/PSC (VI/2-1), Basic Training (VI/1) and Advanced Fire Fighting (VI/3).
• Unlimited Radar Observer Endorsement with ARPA certification.
• U.S. Coast Guard Medical Certificate.
• Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) card.
• U.S. Passport or Permanent Resident Card (“Green Card”).

Minimum Education & Experience Requirements

• Thorough working knowledge of oceanographic research vessels, or other specialized vessels such as survey vessels, seismic ships, cable laying ships, dive boats, or workboats in general, of comparable size and power to the R/V Atlantic Explorer (171’ LOA, 299 GRT/861 ITC, 1880 HP/1402 kW).
• Extensive experience in marine operations in general and familiarity with U.S. Coast Guard regulations as they apply to research vessels.
• Five years’ experience sailing as a deck officer on a workboat, merchant ship, or military vessel, preferably on an oceanographic research vessel, or equivalent experience in the marine industry with significant supervisory and budgetary responsibilities.
• Experience in preparation and execution of shipyard visits, including knowledge and experience with American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) requirements.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in marine transportation, marine deck technology, marine engineering, marine science, or allied field. Service with the military forces of the United States, including the U.S. Coast Guard and National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration, in billets and positions which closely align with or correlate to licensed mariner positions in the Merchant Marine is acceptable in lieu of a degree.
• Applicants must be eligible for employment in the United States.
• Selected candidates must be able to successfully participate in pre-employment and random drug testing.
• Meet both the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences’ and Arizona State University’s hiring requirements for both criminal and driving history (background checks are required).
• Applicants must be able to work effectively and respectfully with a diverse complement of crew, technicians, faculty, students, and scientists from around the world and be able to work in a remote research environment.
• Ability to work well with scientists, students, faculty, and other staff in an isolated environment.
• Computer literacy, proven organizational skills, attention to detail, excellent communication skills and ability to multi-task are required attributes.

If you wish for further information prior to applying, please contact Deborah Moran, Marine Operations Coordinator, ([email protected] ), tel: 441-297-1880, ext. 233 or 646-547-1788, ext. 233. 

Interested candidates should email their applications including a cover letter, resume and three references to [email protected]. 

ASU BIOS is an equal opportunity employer with a drug-free workplace and excellent learning environment.