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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fisheries Science
Florida, USA
USD 70k-70k / year
Posted on Sep 3, 2026
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fisheries Science
Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation Marine Laboratory
The Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) Marine Laboratory invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Fisheries Science. This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career scientist to develop an independent, field-based research program focused on fish species of recreational importance within the estuarine systems of Southwest Florida.
Position Overview
The successful candidate will lead the development and implementation of a research program centered on ecologically, recreationally, or commercially significant fish species in the local estuary. The research will align with the SCCF Marine Laboratory’s mission to understand and protect coastal ecosystems, while complementing ongoing programs in estuarine ecology, water quality, and habitat status and trends.
This position is designed to support scientific independence and innovation. The postdoctoral researcher will have flexibility to shape their research questions, methodologies, and collaborations, while integrating into the lab’s collaborative and applied research environment.
Responsibilities
- Design and conduct an independent research program focused on a focal estuarine fish species or fish communities of ecological and/or economic importance
- Lead fieldwork, data collection, and analysis in Southwest Florida estuaries
- Supervise and teach interns or other grant-funded staff to assist with fish research
- Publish findings in peer-reviewed journals and present at scientific conferences
- Collaborate with SCCF scientists, resource managers, and regional partners
- Contribute to outreach and communication of research to stakeholders and the public
- Pursue external funding opportunities to support and expand the research program
Funding & Expectations
This position is fully funded for two years. Continued support into a third year is contingent upon the candidate’s success in publishing in the peer reviewed literature and securing external grant funding. Applicants should demonstrate a clear interest and potential in developing competitive grant proposals to local, state and federal sources.
Qualifications
- Ph.D. in Fisheries Science, Biology, or Ecology, or a closely related field
- Strong background in fisheries ecology, population dynamics, or related disciplines
- Experience with field-based research in estuarine or coastal systems
- Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed publications
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills
- Interest in applied, management-relevant science
Preferred Qualifications
- PhD in Fisheries Science, Biology or similar field with a focus on fish species of recreational or commercial importance
- Quantitative skills (e.g., statistical modeling, population assessments)
- Interests in evaluating benefits of habitat and habitat restoration to fish life history, abundance or productivity.
- Prior experience and interest in grant writing
Location
The position is based in Sanibel, Florida, with research conducted in the surrounding estuarine and coastal ecosystems of Charlotte Harbor and the Caloosahatchee estuary in Southwest Florida.
Application Instructions
Applicants should submit:
- A cover letter describing research interests and fit with the SCCF Marine Laboratory
- A CV
- A brief research statement (2 pages) outlining a proposed research direction
- Contact information for 3 references
Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check and drug screening.
This position offers a unique opportunity to conduct impactful, place-based fisheries research in one of Florida’s most dynamic coastal ecosystems while developing an independent research trajectory within a collaborative applied science setting.
Salary & Benefits
• Salary: $70,000 annually
• Benefits: Health insurance, 401(k) with employer match, and generous paid time off