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Postdoctoral Scientist - Seagrass Cultivation and Restoration
Marine Biological Laboratory
Falmouth, MA, USA
Posted on Nov 14, 2025
| Applications are being accepted for a full-time Postdoctoral Scientist to work with Seagrass Cultivation and Restoration. The post-doc will work in the Teichberg Lab on a two-year seagrass project, ResilienSEA, to cultivate Zostera marina in the laboratory and test optimal conditions for seedling growth and survival in a seagrass nursery prior to transplantation in the field. The project involves collecting seeds from the field, quantifying germination rates in sterile and ambient conditions in the lab, setting up an experiment to determine optimal growth conditions for plantlets in a running-seawater nursery, and testing seagrass transplant survival in the field from various lab-grown methods. The research will involve extensive field work in seagrass meadows in shallow coastal Massachusetts, including snorkeling and possibly scuba diving. The post-doc will be expected to help design and lead multiple laboratory experiments in the nursery as well as identify a suitable restoration site and organize and monitor a transplantation experiment in the second year of the project. The candidate is expected to have knowledge of seagrass biology and ecology and be familiar with various restoration methods, including seed-based restoration and nursery-development. In addition to growing out seagrasses throughout their developmental stages, the post-doc will be expected to analyze coastal water quality and water and sediment nutrient chemistry, prepare samples for microbial community analyses, and culture aquatic plants in the wet lab in large seawater tanks. Prior experience in these skills, or willingness to learn is essential to the position. The position involves collaboration with a team of researchers, including co-mentorship of student projects within the frame of the ResilienSEA project. The post-doc is expected to analyze data, present results in scientific meetings and workshops and submit written manuscripts for publication in scientific journals. Participation in stakeholder engagement through training workshops is also planned. |
The position is based at the Ecosystems Center of the Marine Biological Laboratory in Woods Hole, MA, a vibrant scientific community with state-of-the-art analytical resources as well as myriad professional development activities sponsored by the Woods Hole institutions.
This is a 24 month appointment.
Review of applications will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled.
Basic Qualifications
PhD in Ecology, Biology, Marine Biology, or Plant Sciences with strong publication record
Applied field and laboratory research experience working in marine or coastal benthic ecosystems
Experience culturing or cultivating organisms in large experimental tanks
Skills in experimental design, data analysis, and statistics
Open-water scuba certification
Teaching and mentoring experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills and ability to work both independently and in a te
Preferred Qualifications
Experience working with seagrass including seagrass reproduction, seed germination, growth and development, nursery cultivation, and restoration
Background in algal or plant culturing methods, including sterile technique
Knowledge of water and sediment nutrient analytics and microbial community sampling
Scientific Research Diver certification
Special Physical Requirements
Ability to swim, snorkel, and scuba dive
Ability to carry heavy equipment and samples in and out of field and lab
Ability to work in wet-lab environment
Application Documents
Please upload as a single PDF the following documents:
- Cover Letter
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Name and contact information for 3 references. Please do not need send letters; we will contact those on your list.
About MBL
The Marine Biological Laboratory (MBL) is dedicated to scientific discovery and improving the human condition through research and education in biology, biomedicine, and environmental science. Founded in Woods Hole, Massachusetts, in 1888, the MBL is a private, nonprofit institution and an affiliate of the University of Chicago.
MBL is committed to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where diverse experiences and perspectives combine to better the advancement of scientific inquiry and discovery.
MBL offers a generous benefits package including:
- Medical and Dental Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.
- Voluntary Vision Insurance through VSP.
- Basic Life/AD&D Insurance; Voluntary Life/AD&D Insurance; Short-Term Disability Insurance; and Long-Term Disability Insurance.
- Vacation Time: Employees accrued based on years of service, beginning with 12 days/year.
- Sick Time: Employees accrue 13 sick days/year. Accrued paid time off is pro-rated based on scheduled hours.
- Holidays: 10 paid holidays per year plus 2 floating holidays.
- Flexible Spending Accounts: Employees may make pre-tax contributions up to the yearly IRS limit for health care expenses and for dependent care expenses. The plan is administered by Discovery Benefits/WEX.
- Tax Deferred Annuity Plan: Employees may make pre-tax or after-tax contributions to a TIAA account up to the IRS limit. MBL Retirement Plan: The MBL contributes 10% of salary to the Retirement Plan to a TIAA account. Eligibility is two years of service, however service at other government or non-profit institutions may count toward this requirement. Contributions are immediately fully vested.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): The MBL offers an EAP which provides free and confidential counseling to employees and family members. The program is administered by New Directions Behavioral Health.