New

Senior Research Associate

San Jose State University Research Foundation
$87,000-$131,700 annually, DOQ - Exempt, Benefited
retirement plan
United States, California, Moss Landing
May 23, 2025
OUR STATEMENT The San Jose State University Research Foundation (SJSURF) is committed to building a work environment where everyone can show up as their own self and have an opportunity to contribute, develop, and advance in their career. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are core values of the organization. We strive to attract, retain, and develop employees who reflect the community and society where we work and live. The Research Foundation aims to develop a culture where everyone feels welcome, shares their views, and where differences in backgrounds and perspectives are seen as adding value. GENERAL NATURE OF POSITION Moss Landing Marine Laboratories (MLML) administers the Master of Science in marine science program for California State Universities in northern and central California, and is dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in both education and research. An outfitted marine operations department, active research diving program and state of the art equipment allow for cutting edge research in a wide variety of disciplines including: marine ecology; the biology of marine plants, invertebrates, fishes, turtles, birds and mammals; oceanography and marine geology; chemistry and biogeochemistry. MLML is known for a hands-on, field-oriented approach which places our students, faculty, researchers and staff at the frontiers of marine science worldwide where discoveries are being made. In search of a senior research associate in global-ocean state estimation and development of data-constrained ocean biogeochemistry models. Will conduct research on topics of modeling ocean carbon cycling, biogeochemistry, and ecology, and will produce research reports and publications. ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES Will conduct research on topics of modeling ocean carbon cycling and biogeochemistry. Responsible for developing numerical biogeochemical ocean model solutions. Must be familiar with processing and interpreting physical and biogeochemical ocean observations. Must be familiar with numerical ocean modeling and high-performance computing environments. Other duties as assigned. INTERPERSONAL CONTACTS Reports to the project director. Will work collaboratively with professors and graduate students and Moss Landing Marine Laboratories, primarily, and other researchers involved with this collaborative effort. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES None. QUALIFICATIONS Education and Experience required PhD in earth sciences, oceanography, environmental sciences, or electrical engineering. At least two years of postdoctoral-level experience on topics of global-ocean state estimation and in particular development of data-constrained ocean biogeochemistry models. Extensive experience using the ECCO/MITgcm, Darwin, and ECCO-Darwin models, including the development of new software packages. Extensive experience in data processing software such as MATLAB or Python. Knowledge, Skills, Abilities required Excellent writing skills; grammar, spelling and punctuation. Ability to use initiative and sound independent judgment within established guidelines. Ability to organize work, set priorities and meet critical deadlines with little supervision. Ability to work effectively and maintain cooperative working relationships with others. Broad knowledge of physical oceanography and air-sea carbon exchange. Extensive experience in data processing, especially those associated with in-situ ocean observations. Extensive experience in data processing software such as MATLAB and Python. Physical Requirements Must be able to sit or stand to operate a PC, including mouse and keyboard. Must be able to walk or sit for continuous periods throughout the day, with appropriate rest periods taken. Complexity of Duties Job duties are highly complex and include and involve analyzing and modeling the results, writing up and presenting findings, working with a diverse team of researchers. A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the SJSURF. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or the continued employment of current SJSURF employees who apply for the position. NOTE: This position description intends to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this job. It is not intended to include all duties and responsibilities. The order in which duties and responsibilities are listed is not significant. BENEFITS The SJSURF provides an excellent benefits package to benefited employees. The comprehensive benefits package includes: Four company health insurance plans to choose from (employee contributions differ according to plan and level of coverage). Employer-paid dental and vision for both employee and eligible dependents. Life, AD&D, LTD with supplemental coverage opportunities. 14 paid federal & state holidays. Retirement Plan: 403 (b) employee contribution plan component and a 403 (b) employer contribution component, which vests immediately. Vacation-hour accruals and separate sick-hour accumulations. Employee discounts. Paid training and professional-development conferences. Please visit the Benefits & Compensation page on the SJSURF website for more detailed information. APPLICATION PROCEDURE To apply for this position, an applicant must submit a formal application for employment. Select "Apply Now" to complete the SJSURF online employment application. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION The SJSURF is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with physical or mental disabilities in the employment, recruitment, examination, interviewing, and hiring processes. If you are a job seeker with a physical or mental disability, and you require a reasonable accommodation to search, apply, or interview for a job opening or otherwise need a reasonable accommodation during the application and hiring process, please contact us at foundation-jobs@sjsu.edu. In the email message, please indicate your full name, phone number and the type of assistance required. You must not reveal the underlying medical reason for your needed reasonable accommodation or otherwise disclose confidential medical information. ABOUT THE SJSU RESEARCH FOUNDATION SJSURF employment is separate and distinct from San Jose State University (SJSU) or state of California employment. SJSURF employees are not employees of SJSU or of the state of California. SJSURF is a non-profit auxiliary of SJSU. SJSURF is totally self-supported. The majority of the organization's funding comes from the federal government, and other public and private entities. With annual revenues totaling over $65 million, programs managed through SJSURF cover a rich diversity of applied research, public services, and educational-related activities.