Postdoctoral Research Scientist

National Marine Mammal Foundation

National Marine Mammal Foundation

San Diego, CA, USA · Canada · San Diego, CA, USA
USD 39-47 / hour
Posted on Oct 18, 2025
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • 401(k) matching
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Paid time off
  • Tuition assistance
  • Vision insurance

The National Marine Mammal Foundation (NMMF) is seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher to advance work in acoustic detection and classification. This position will contribute to multiple U.S. Navy-related projects, including marine mammal acoustic monitoring, adaptation of open-source passive acoustic monitoring tools, acoustic intelligence, and distributed acoustic sensing. This position is fully funded for two years, and would start as soon as possible.

The candidate sought will have strong programming and data-analysis skills, the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, and a background in acoustic data processing and/or machine learning. U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance are required. The applicant must be able to live and work locally in San Diego, California. Experience with marine mammal acoustics is advantageous but not essential.

This is a highly technical and data-intensive role with ample opportunities for publication and collaboration.

Primary Responsibilities

  • Conduct research across multiple Navy-related marine mammal acoustics projects.
  • Develop, adapt, and optimize analysis tools and workflows using programming languages (e.g., MATLAB, Python).
  • Manage and process large acoustic datasets while meeting multiple project timelines.
Qualification Requirements

  • Ph.D. in a relevant field (e.g., computer science, bioacoustics, engineering)
  • Proficiency in programming (MATLAB, Python)
  • Experience in acoustic analysis or signal processing
  • U.S. citizenship with the ability to obtain a Secret security clearance
Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience with marine mammal acoustics and/or marine mammal monitoring.
  • Familiarity with acoustic classification methods and machine-learning.
Work Environment

  • Office
  • Water-side (off ocean piers)
  • Open-water (boats)

Compensation: $39.00 - $47.00 per hour

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.