Postdoctoral Research Associate, Marine Sciences, Ocean Modeling and Sea Scallop Fishery Adaptation

JOB SUMMARY

The Department of Marine Sciences at the University of Connecticut invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join an interdisciplinary project at the forefront of climate‑fishery research. The Postdoctoral Research Associate will contribute to an interdisciplinary project focused on enhancing the adaptive capacity of the Atlantic Sea Scallop (Placopecten magellanicus) fishery under changing ocean conditions. The Atlantic Sea Scallop fishery is one of the most economically valuable in the United States, with annual landings exceeding $500 million.

However, increasing vulnerability to ocean acidification (OA), ocean warming (OW), and extreme temperature events poses significant challenges to scallop growth, reproduction, and long‑term fishery sustainability. This project aims to transform the way environmental and social data are integrated into fisheries management by combining advanced ocean forecasting, species‑specific modeling, and social science to develop adaptive strategies that enhance both ecological and fishing community resilience.
The successful candidate will lead efforts to couple a regional MOM6 Northwest Atlantic seasonal ocean forecast with an existing Dynamic Energy Budget (DEB) model for sea scallops to produce seasonal forecasts of scallop growth and mortality. The postdoctoral researcher will also evaluate the predictive skill of oceanographic variables (e.g., temperature, oxygen, and pCO‰) relevant to scallop growth and assess their potential for informing fishery management decisions.

This position will involve close collaboration with oceanographers, ecosystem modelers, social scientists, and fisheries stakeholders. The position offers significant opportunities to contribute to ecological forecasting, advance the integration of environmental models into fishery management, and engage directly with stakeholders and policymakers, including the New England Fishery Management Council (NEFMC).
This position provides the opportunity to conduct high‑impact research at the interface of oceanography and fisheries management, with direct pathways to inform policy. The postdoc will gain experience in state‑of‑the‑art ocean forecasting, ecological modeling, and co‑production of knowledge with stakeholders—skills that are increasingly sought after in academia, government, and applied research careers. The project emphasizes strong mentorship, interdisciplinary collaboration, and professional development, ensuring that the candidate will be well‑positioned for a successful independent career.

• Develop and implement coupled MOM6–DEB forecasts of scallop growth and mortality in rotational management areas.
• Evaluate the skill of oceanographic forecasts for environmental variables influencing scallop physiology.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team of oceanographers, ecosystem modelers, social scientists, and industry partners.
• Contribute to workshops, stakeholder engagement, and communication of results to management agencies and fishing communities.
• Prepare peer‑reviewed publications, conference presentations, and project reports.

• Ph.D. in oceanography, marine science, fisheries science, climate science, or a closely related discipline by the start of appointment.
• Demonstrated experience with numerical modeling, ocean forecasting, or biophysical coupling.
• Experience with ocean biogeochemical cycling, including carbon, oxygen, and nutrient cycles, through courses or research experience.
• Experience in scientific programming (e.g., Python, R, MATLAB, or Fortran).
• Experience communicating clearly and effectively in written and oral formats.
• Demonstrated experience with or ability to pursue research independently.

• Experience with Earth system or regional ocean models (e.g., MOM6, ROMS) and/or Dynamic Energy Budget modeling.
• Demonstrated experience working in interdisciplinary and collaborative research settings.
• Experience with engaged research.
• Experience with fisheries science, ecological forecasting, or decision‑support tool development.
• Publications related to the minimum qualifications (e.g.,…