Distinguished Postdoctoral Associate- Marine Acoustics and Oceanography
Research Emphasis
The Marine Ecology and Acoustics Laboratory (https://boswelllab.wixsite.com/boswelllab) 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 one of the world’s most extensive collections 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 and submit the following supporting information in the order listed below and as one PDF.
Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.