Palmer Research Specialists (Junior and Assistant Specialist Ranks)

UC Santa Cruz · Institute of Marine Sciences

Pay: $57,000–$65,800/yr
Hours: Variable hours
Where: West Antarctic Peninsula
Apply by: Sep 24, 2026
Posted: 5 days ago

The Institute of Marine Sciences at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) invites applications for short-term, field technicians for two or more field seasons to assist with seabird monitoring studies along the West Antarctic Peninsula, either at Palmer Station or aboard a research vessel. The field technicians will work under the direction of Dr. Megan Cimino, the lead of seabird research with the Palmer Long-Term Ecological Research program.

Seabirds are indicators of environmental change and variability, and this research examines key aspects of their life histories, such as breeding biology, foraging ecology, behavior, and migration to understand mechanistic processes.

What they want

Bachelor’s degree or higher (or equivalent foreign degree) in ecology, marine biology, oceanography, mathematics, engineering, or related field.
A minimum of two years' experience conducting field research (experience can be obtained while completing bachelor’s degree).
Computer skills, which must include experience with database and word processing programs, data entry, and data quality assurance/data quality control.

Starts: Aug 25, 2026