Job Description

Chief Scientist - Oceanographic Research Expeditions

Advanced Ocean Science & Conservation (AI-Integrated Approach)

The Mission

Our expedition vessel is dedicated to advancing ocean science, safeguarding fragile ecosystems, and fostering a global culture of marine stewardship. We integrate cutting-edge artificial intelligence with field science to monitor biodiversity, assess climate impacts, and support evidence-based sustainable fishing.

Position Summary

The Chief Scientist serves as the senior science officer aboard the expedition vessel, leading an interdisciplinary research program that advances ocean knowledge, conservation, and stewardship. This hands-on leader designs and executes scientific studies, manages a diverse team of researchers and citizen scientists, and ensures that findings are translated into open-access knowledge and actionable conservation policies. The ideal candidate combines strategic vision and deep marine science expertise, including proficiency in AI/ML and excels at collaboration with Indigenous communities, fishers, policymakers, and expedition guests.

Core Responsibilities

1. AI-Driven Research and Data Management

Design and deploy AI/ML pipelines for biodiversity surveys (e.g., computer vision), marine mammal acoustic detection, phytoplankton mapping, and carbon-cycle modeling.

Manage edge-computing infrastructure on drones, AUVs/ROVs, and IoT sensor networks to enable near-real-time data processing with minimal bandwidth.

Maintain FAIR-compliant data repositories to ensure transparency, reproducibility, and open science.

2. Conservation Science and Policy Support

Lead research projects that directly support marine protected area (MPA) design, bycatch mitigation, climate resilient habitat identification, and sustainable, low-impact fisheries development.

Produce quarterly "State of the Ocean" briefs for NGOs, coastal states, Indigenous governance bodies, and treaty organizations.

3. Operational Leadership and Compliance

Recruit, mentor, and manage a multidisciplinary team of up to 12 scientists (e.g., oceanography, genomics, fisheries, climate modeling, socio-economic analysis).

Ensure scientific activities comply with CCAMLR, the IMO Polar Code, and Indigenous governance protocols.

Uphold rigorous biosecurity and animal welfare standards.

Safeguard against the misuse of collected data that could undermine conservation objectives.

4. Team, Stakeholder Management & Ethics

Deliver immersive science communication sessions to expedition guests and virtual audiences.

Coordinate with the Captain, Expedition Leader, and Operations team to optimize scientific yield while minimizing ecological impact.

Lead environmental impact self-audits and publish an open annual Sustainability Report.

Foster inclusive collaboration across Indigenous communities, policymakers, and local stakeholders.

Qualifications

Required

PhD (or equivalent experience) in oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, computer science, or a related field.

Minimum 5 years of experience leading interdisciplinary marine research programs, preferably including field-based or shipboard expeditions in polar or remote regions.

Expertise applying AI/ML methods (e.g., computer vision, acoustic classification, time-series modeling) to ecological or environmental datasets.

Strong publication record in peer-reviewed scientific journals.

Experience managing diverse interdisciplinary research teams, including early-career scientists, citizen scientists, and Indigenous partners.

Valid STCW Basic Safety Training (BST) certification, ENG1 medical clearance, and willingness to obtain Polar Code Basic Training (training will be sponsored).

Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage both scientific and non-scientific audiences effectively.

Commitment to open science, data transparency, and ethical research practices.

Preferred

Experience with edge computing, AUVs/ROVs, drones, and IoT marine sensor networks.

Background in marine genomics, fisheries, climate modeling, or socio-economic analysis.

Demonstrated ability to produce policy briefs for NGOs, governments, or treaty organizations.

Familiarity with ESG reporting, blue carbon accounting, or climate finance for oceans.

Proven science communication skills across diverse platforms and audiences.

Experience working with Indigenous communities or local conservation partners.

Proficiency with cloud-based data tools and ocean-relevant programming libraries.

Working Conditions & Benefits

Rotation:

Approximately 8-10 weeks at sea aboard the Exploration Scientific Vessel, followed by 6-8 weeks off (flexible scheduling).

Home Port:

Newfoundland, Canada (season-dependent); remote preparation and data analysis work is possible during off-voyage periods.

Compensation:

Competitive salary with performance incentives linked to transparent, measurable conservation outcomes.

Additional Benefits:

Comfortable shipboard accommodations, full medical coverage, a dedicated research budget, and stipends for conference travel and open-access publishing.

How to Apply

Please email your application to info@cacsd.ca by August 30, 2025, including:

CV (? 4 pages)

Cover letter describing how your work has advanced conservation

One publication or code repository demonstrating your AI expertise

Contact information for three references

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: $125,000.00-$250,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company events Extended health care On-site parking Stock options Store discount Wellness program Work from home
Education:

Doctoral Degree (required)
Experience:

Chief Scientist - Oceanographic Research Expeditions: 10 years (required)
Language:

Multilingual (required)
Licence/Certification:

Canadian/International (required)
Location:

Remote (required)
Willingness to travel:

25% (required)
Work Location: Remote