About this role
Job Profile
Job Purpose
We seek Marine Research Scientists to conduct and publish innovative research addressing the most urgent challenges facing the ocean: climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution. Working from the newly established Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre (SMSRC), the successful candidates will design and oversee innovative marine research projects, and translate scientific findings into actionable solutions for policymakers, industry, conservation organizations and civil society. Their research will produce knowledge, solutions and products that address one or more of the following objectives:
- Quantify, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, and on the human communities that depend upon the Ocean.
- Understand, manage and reduce the drivers of marine species and habitat loss to halt and reverse biodiversity loss for the benefit of people and nature.
- Identify and reduce the sources and impacts of marine pollution to improve Ocean and human health.
In addressing these objectives the approaches should include several of the following:
- be solution-orientated and Research Impact driven (co-developed with end-users where appropriate)
- involve greater use of autonomy, new technologies and digitialisation, including Big Data
- support long-term, sustained marine observations
- underpin greater Ocean stewardship and facilitate a sustainable Blue Economy
- increase Ocean Literacy to support more effective decision making across stakeholders and civil society
We are particularly looking for to candidates with expertise in one of the following topics:
- Ocean Acidification and marine Carbon Dioxide Removal (mCDR)
- Modelling and/or Earth Observations
- Coral biology and restoration
- Marine biogeochemistry
Marine Research Scientists at the SMSRC will conduct successful research activities; mentor and develop junior colleagues; build the reputation and visibility of the SMSRC, and its research activities, at national and international events.
Key Accountabilities
- Research: Concieve and deliver high-impact, innovative marine research activites, with a focus on addressing ocean challenges; climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution.
- Fieldwork and Data Analysis: Lead expeditions and sampling programs, applying advanced analytical techniques, including modeling tools and remote observations, to assess environmental trends, ecosystem health and societal consequences.
- Collaboration: Build partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to expand research reach and impact.
- Knowledge Translation: Publish papers and and datasets in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at international conferences. Develop policy briefs and public outreach materials. Promote the value of solution-orientated and impactful research across the SMSRC. Contribute to increasing Ocean Literacy in stakeholders and civil society.
- Mentorship and Teaching: Supervise and support postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and interns in project planning, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Teach relevant course on degree and Master level degrees.
Key Interactions
Internal
External
- Director of SMSRC and Head of Research and Innovation
- Academic marine research and operational support staff at SMSRC
- UKF students
- Academic staff at UKF outside the School of Marine Science
- SMSRC Ocean Literacy, Impact and Partnerships team
- UKF operational staff (communications, partnerships, engagements, finance and procurement)
- Academic and research collaborators
- Media outlets and journalists
- Governemental and Intergovernmental agencies and organisations
- Contractors and logistics providers
Qualification & Experience
- PhD in Marine Science, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- Publication record in at least one of the focus areas (climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution).
- Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and large-scale research activities and projects.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and non-specialist audiences.
Skills & Competencies
Essential
- Research skills and publishing
- Strong organizational and project management skills
- Innovative and creative thinking
- Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
- Fluent English
Desirable
- Experience working in international or cross-cultural research environments.
- Familiarity with global marine policy frameworks (e.g., UN SDG 14, IPCC, CBD).
- Skills in digital/AI/machine learning applications in marine science, or citizen science engagement.
- Established International networks, reputation and collaborations
- A culture of advancing growth and development in colleagues.
- Knowledge of existing and emerging science communication tools and platforms
- Knowledge of AI and ML tools
- Flexibilty and adapatbility
- Proficiency in reputation growing and risk management