SODCO Expedition Project Manager/Staff Scientist

Full-time - Mid Level

College Station, TX

Educational Services

About the position

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. 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. 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• Coordinates the submission of reports: daily and weekly reports from the ship and shipboard phase of SODCO expedition reports onboard.
• Plans and implements the onshore measurement, description, and sampling party with co-chief scientists and GCR staff.
• Ensures SOD sample, data, and obligation requirements and SODCO policies are well understood by the science party.

Requirements

• Doctoral degree in geosciences field
• Three years of research and/or scientific cruise project oversight experience
• Ability to obtain passport and international visas on a continuing basis
• 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.

Nice-to-haves

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

Benefits

• 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.