Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute - MBARI Postdoctoral Fellowship Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute in United States

The Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious on-site postdoctoral fellowship program. Located in Moss Landing, California, MBARI is a leading non-profit oceanographic research institute dedicated to advancing marine science and engineering to better understand our changing ocean. Supported by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, MBARI offers a unique environment for postdoctoral fellows to conduct independent research in association with experienced mentors, fostering both career development and innovative collaborations.

MBARI’s research spans a wide array of marine and engineering disciplines, including marine robotics, ocean physics, chemistry, geology, biology, and engineering. The institute is renowned for its development of cutting-edge instrumentation, systems, and methods that support scientific research in the oceans. Fellows benefit from access to state-of-the-art fabrication and test facilities, two ocean-going research ships, a coastal workboat, remotely operated vehicles, autonomous underwater and surface vehicles, oceanographic profilers and moorings, the MARS seafloor cabled observatory, and a comprehensive suite of oceanographic equipment. The location at the head of Monterey Canyon provides convenient access to diverse ocean environments, enabling a wide range of research opportunities.

Postdoctoral fellows at MBARI are encouraged to propose investigations that leverage the institute’s resources and location. The program is open to candidates from the fields of biological, chemical, and physical oceanography, marine geology, and engineering. Fellows conduct independent research while collaborating with MBARI scientists and engineers, bringing new perspectives and skills to ongoing projects. Applicants should connect with potential research sponsors at MBARI for guidance on project feasibility, relevance, resource availability, and expected start date.

To be eligible, candidates must have been awarded a Ph.D. degree prior to the start of the two-year appointment, preferably within the 2025 year, and must complete the fellowship onsite. The application deadline is December 2, 2025, with decisions anticipated by the end of January. Required application materials include a curriculum vitae (CV), at least three professional letters of recommendation (up to five), a succinct statement of doctoral research, a list of up to three potential sponsors/PI/PEs with a brief description of alignment, a short proposal for a potential research project at MBARI, and a supplemental information form.

MBARI offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. The first-year salary is $77,000, increasing to $82,000 in the second year. Postdocs are also eligible for up to $4,000 in relocation reimbursement within the first year of employment. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, short- and long-term disability, life insurance, a 403B retirement plan, and paid time off such as vacation, holiday, and sick leave.

MBARI is committed to diversity and is an equal opportunity employer, considering all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, national origin, age, disability, covered veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For more information and to apply, visit the MBARI postdoc fellowship application page or email [email protected]. This is an exceptional opportunity for early-career researchers to advance their training and contribute to innovative marine science and engineering projects in a world-class research environment.