SODCO Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist

Job Title

SODCO Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist

Agency

Texas A&M University

Department

International Ocean Discovery Program

Proposed Minimum Salary

Commensurate

Job Location

College Station, Texas

Job Type

Staff

Job Description

Our Commitment

Texas A&M University is committed to enriching the learning and working environment by promoting a culture that respects all perspectives, talents & lived experiences. Embracing varying opinions and perspectives strengthens our core values which are: Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity, and Selfless Service.

Who We Are

The International Ocean Discovery Program (IODP) is dedicated to uncovering Earth's history through the study of ocean floor sediments and rocks. Our numerous seagoing expeditions aboard the scientific drillship JOIDES Resolution (JR), conducted on behalf of the National Science Foundation (NSF), have enabled researchers to gather invaluable core samples from around the world.

Following the recent demobilization of the JR, Texas A&M University has been entrusted by the NSF to establish an instrumented Gulf Coast Repository (GCR), utilizing the advanced instrumentation from the JR. As we anticipate the award of the Scientific Ocean Drilling Coordination Office (SODCO), IODP is gearing up to coordinate and manage future drilling activities. Our mission includes collecting subseafloor samples, conducting subseafloor measurements, and installing long-term borehole observatories to advance our understanding of Earth's processes.

What We Want

We are seeking two Associate Research Scientists (SODCO Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist) to provide scientific expertise, leadership, and advocacy for expedition projects. These roles involve overseeing the scientific execution of ocean drilling expeditions, coordinating shore-based and ship resources, and obtaining necessary clearances and permits.

Candidates will collaborate with the Operations-Engineering team and community Principal Investigators to define Mission Specific Platform (MSP) technology and develop coring, drilling, and logging plans. They will enhance SODCO scientific services, including mobile laboratories and new analytical tools, and conduct independent research.

Additionally, candidates will contribute to Texas A&M University's educational mission and coordinate SODCO outreach. Strong teamwork, leadership, and a service-oriented attitude are essential.

We seek candidates with a Doctoral degree in geosciences, at least three years of research or scientific cruise project oversight experience, and experience as a seagoing scientist in ocean drilling. If you are passionate about leading innovative initiatives, we invite you to apply!

What You Need To Know

Compensation will be commensurate to the selected hire’s experience.

A cover letter and resume are strongly recommended.

Qualifications

Required Education and Experience

• Doctoral degree in geosciences field
• Three years of research and/or scientific cruise project oversight experience
  
  
  

Required Licenses And Certifications

• Ability to obtain passport and international visas on a continuing basis.
  
  
  

Required Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Working knowledge of standard computer and software applications.
• Excellent communication (oral and written) and interpersonal skills.
• Must be detail oriented and have the ability to successfully organize tasks and prioritize work.
• Demonstrated ability to work professionally and harmoniously with others.
• Experience working effectively with scientists.
• Be able to work independently.
  
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience as a seagoing scientist, especially in scientific ocean drilling.
  
  
  

Responsibilities

Advanced expedition management, initiate proactive expedition leadership, initial peer-advising/mentoring, experience on 3 SOD expeditions.

• Leads expedition-specific project planning and implementation.
• Serves as project manager of the expedition team responsible for the delivery of science services and operations during all phases of the expedition. Identifies and ensures implementation of all expedition team milestones before, during, and following the expedition. This includes the completion of an operational plan, procurements, precruise planning meeting, clearance and permitting, cruise research and sampling plan, expedition reports, as well as postcruise activities and deliverables, which will include a measurement, description, and sampling party.
• Assists the Co-Chief Scientists and facilitates their scientific leadership.
• Facilitates the coordination of the activities of the shipboard scientific party before, during, and following the cruise by serving as the primary point of contact.
• Serves as the science advocate for expedition science and participating scientists.
• Upholds and enforces Scientific Ocean Drilling and SODCO scientific policy and procedure for expedition participants.
• Coordinate the submission of reports: daily and weekly reports from the ship and shipboard phase of SODCO expedition reports onboard and ensure that the publication department receives all files and documents.
• With co-chief scientists and Gulf Coast Repository (GCR) staff, plan and implement the onshore measurement, description, and sampling party. Coordinates the review and production of the final reports.
• Ensures SOD sample, data, and obligation requirements and SODCO policies are well understood by the science party and work with chief scientists to implement them before, during, and after the expedition.
  
  
  

Contribute scientific expertise to improve science services, maintain active independent research program evidenced by student mentorship, research funding, and publications, and/or contribute to the Texas A&M University education mission:

• Provides scientific expertise and leadership to management and improvement of shipboard and shore-based science activities and laboratories to maximize scientific capabilities.
• Presents at national and international meetings as a SODCO representative and communicates expedition results and SODCO activities/status at these meetings.
• Conducts independent scientific research, presents research results at national and international scientific meeting, and publishes results in internationally recognized Earth Science journals.
• Coordination with SODCO outreach staff for public outreach and education, public relations, and communications.
• Instructor for courses in a geoscience field.
• Mentoring of undergraduate and graduate research through advising or serving on a thesis committee.
• Mentoring of SODCO summer interns.
• Assisting with GCR training schools and events in a mentor or instructor capacity.
  
  
  

Other Requirements And Factors

• This position is required to sail, which will require passing a routine medical exam (typically every two years).
• This position is security sensitive.
• This position requires compliance with state and federal laws/codes and Texas A&M University System/TAMU policies, regulations, rules and procedures.
• All tasks and job responsibilities must be performed safely without injury to self or others in compliance with System and University safety requirements.
• This position allows alternate work location per TAMU guidelines
• This position may direct and/or evaluate the work of others
• This position is funded from grant and/or contract funding, which is renewed through provisions of the grantor of the contract. Therefore, this position is contingent upon continuation of funding from these grants and/or contracts, as well as satisfactory job performance
  
  
  

Physical Requirements

While at sea, the position requires physical tolerance to maintaining balance on a moving ship; working under confined condition in a 24/7 workplace with 12-h shifts; exposure to low-mid level noise and vibration, potential allergens and occasional odors; fine motor skills as well as moderate physical activity including moving, lifting and carrying objects of moderate weight using proper lifting techniques; reaching and bending, commonly in extreme environments.

Why Texas A&M University?

We are a prestigious university with strong traditions, Core Values, and a community of caring and collaboration.  Amenities associated with a major university, such as sporting and cultural events, state-of-the-art recreation facilities, the Bush Library and Museum, and much more await you.  Experience all that a big city has to offer but with a reasonable cost-of-living and no long commutes. 

• Health, dental, vision, life and long-term disability insurance with Texas A&M contributing to employee health and basic life premiums
• 12-15 days of annual paid holidays
• Up to eight hours of paid sick leave and at least eight hours of paid vacation each month
• Automatically enrollment in the Teacher Retirement System of Texas
• Health and Wellness: Free exercise programs and release time
• Professional Development: All employees have access to free LinkedIn Learning training, webinars, and limited financial support to attend conferences, workshops, and more
• Employee Tuition Assistance and Educational Release time for completing a degree while a Texas A&M employee
  
  
  

Instructions to Applicants: Applications received by Texas A&M University must either have all job application data entered or a resume attached. Failure to provide all job application data or a complete resume could result in an invalid submission and a rejected application. We encourage all applicants to upload a resume or use a LinkedIn profile to pre-populate the online application.

All positions are security-sensitive. Applicants are subject to a criminal history investigation, and employment is contingent upon the institution’s verification of credentials and/or other information required by the institution’s procedures, including the completion of the criminal history check.

Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/Veterans/Disability Employer.