Seattle Visiting Marine Science Research Lead; Summer Appointment

Seattle Visiting Marine Science Research Lead (Paid Summer Appointment)

Nexa Youth is seeking a Visiting Marine Science Research Lead to design and lead a one‑week, immersive Marine Biology Research Workshop for a selective cohort of high school and early college students with a strong interest in marine science and research careers. Candidates must live or be able to commute to the Seattle area.

This role is intended for an experienced marine biologist or marine scientist who is actively engaged in research and is interested in translating real‑world scientific work into an accessible, high‑impact educational experience. The Research Lead will serve as the primary scientific authority for the program, guiding students through what marine research looks like in practice—from research questions and study design to field sampling, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation.

Throughout the week, students will be introduced to authentic research workflows through supervised observation, guided participation, and structured demonstrations. Activities may include field‑based sampling demonstrations, lab‑based walkthroughs of analytical techniques, examination of real datasets, and discussions of ongoing or completed research projects. Students will not conduct independent research; rather, they will learn directly from the Research Lead through hands‑on exposure, mentorship, and inquiry‑based learning.

The Research Lead will also contextualize marine science as a career, discussing academic pathways, research ethics, funding structures, and the realities of working in marine biology and environmental science. This position emphasizes scientific mentorship, research exposure, and professional insight, rather than classroom teaching or childcare.

The program will be supported by Nexa Youth staff, who will manage logistics, student coordination, and administrative needs, allowing the Research Lead to focus primarily on scientific content, demonstrations, and mentorship.

• PhD in Marine Biology, Marine Science, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or a closely related field
• Demonstrated experience conducting marine research
• Prior experience mentoring or working with students, interns, or trainees
• Strong ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to a youth audience

• Experience with field sampling, lab‑based analysis, or marine data collection
• Familiarity with Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems
• Interest in science education, mentorship, and public engagement

Time commitment: Daily from 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM.

If two Research Leads are selected, responsibilities and on‑site days will be split accordingly.

Location: Seattle, Washington

Field and/or lab‑based activities coordinated in advance based on Research Lead expertise and available facilities.

• $1,000 stipend if one Research Lead is selected to cover the full program
• $500 stipend per Research Lead if two Research Leads are selected, with responsibilities and daily attendance divided between them

In the two‑lead model, each Research Lead will not be required to be on‑site every day, and programming responsibilities will be shared.

The Research Lead(s) should have access to appropriate field and laboratory equipment necessary for educational demonstrations and research exposure. Nexa Youth will provide access to a dedicated office and classroom‑style workspace for instruction, discussion, and project review.