Associate Professor in Marine Science - Sharjah Marine Science Research Center (University of Khorfakkan)

Job title

Associate Professor in Marine Science

Company

Sharjah Marine Science Research Center (SMSRC) - University of Khorfakkan (UKF).

Description of the job

The Sharjah Marine Science Research Center seeks highly experienced Senior Marine Research Scientists to lead innovative research addressing the most urgent challenges facing the ocean: climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution.

Working from the newly established Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre (SMSRC), the successful candidates will design and oversee innovative marine research projects, mentor early-career scientists, teach students, and translate scientific findings into actionable solutions for policymakers, industry, conservation organizations and civil society.

Their research will produce knowledge, solutions and products that address one or more of the following objectives: quantify, mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change on marine ecosystems, and on the human communities that depend upon the Ocean; understand, manage and reduce the drivers of marine species and habitat loss to halt and reverse biodiversity loss for the benefit of people and nature; identify and reduce the sources and impacts of marine pollution to improve Ocean and human health.

Senior Marine Research Scientists at the SMSRC will build and lead successful research teams; mentor and develop junior colleagues; build the reputation and visibility of the SMSRC, and its research activities, at national and international events. Although this role is primarily a research position, it will also involve some teaching duties through the University of Khorfakkan and the Research Leads should expect to teach undergraduate and post-graduate students. The balance of research and teaching activities within this role will be 60% pure research activities, 20% face-to-face teaching (lecturing undergraduate and Masters, and/or supervising Masters and PhD students), 20% UKF and SMSRC administration (e.g. marking, meetings reporting, planning and preparation).

In addressing these objectives the approaches should include several of the following:

• Be solution-orientated and Research Impact driven (co-developed with end-users where appropriate).
• Involve greater use of autonomy, new technologies and digitalization including Big Data.
• Support long-term, sustained marine observations.
• Underpin greater Ocean stewardship and facilitate a sustainable Blue Economy.
• Increase Ocean Literacy to support more effective decision making across stakeholders and civil society.

Key Accountabilities:

• Research Leadership: Conceive and deliver high-impact, innovative marine research activities, with a focus on addressing ocean challenges; climate change, biodiversity loss, and marine pollution.
• Fieldwork and Data Analysis: Lead expeditions and sampling programs, applying advanced analytical techniques, including modeling tools and remote observations, to assess environmental trends, ecosystem health and societal consequences.
• Collaboration: Build partnerships with academic institutions, government agencies, NGOs, and industry stakeholders to expand research reach and impact.
• Knowledge Translation: Publish papers and datasets in high-impact peer-reviewed journals, and present findings at international conferences. Develop policy briefs and public outreach materials. Promote the value of solution-orientated and impactful research across the SMSRC. Contribute to increasing Ocean Literacy in stakeholders and civil society.
• Mentorship and Teaching: Supervise and support postdoctoral researchers, PhD candidates, and interns in project planning, data collection, analysis, and dissemination. Teach relevant course on degree and Master level degrees.

Key Interactions - Internal:

• Director of SMSRC and Head of Research and Innovation.
• Academic marine research and operational support staff at SMSRC.
• UKF students.
• Academic staff at UKF outside the School of Marine Science.
• SMSRC Ocean Literacy, Impact and Partnerships team.
• UKF operational staff (communications, partnerships, engagements, finance and procurement).

Key Interactions - External:

• Academic and research collaborators.
• Media outlets and journalists.
• Governmental and Intergovernmental agencies and organisations.
• Contractors and logistics providers.

Requirements

Qualification & Experience:

• PhD in Marine Science, Oceanography, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8–10 years of postdoctoral research experience, with a strong publication record in at least one of the focus areas (climate change, biodiversity loss, marine pollution).
• Demonstrated ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and large-scale research activities and projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both scientific and non-specialist audiences.

Skills & Competencies - Essential:

• Leadership and team management capabilities.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Established International networks, reputation and collaborations.
• Innovative and creative thinking.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities.

Skills & Competencies - Desirable:

• Experience working in international or cross-cultural research environments.
• Familiarity with global marine policy frameworks (e.g., UN SDG 14, IPCC, CBD).
• Skills in digital/AI/machine learning applications in marine science, or citizen science engagement.
• A culture of advancing growth and development in colleagues.
• Knowledge of existing and emerging science communication tools and platforms.
• Knowledge of AI and ML tools.
• Flexibility and adaptability.
• Proficiency in reputation growing and risk management.

Location

Khor Fakkan, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.

Salary

Not specified.

How to apply

Interested candidates should apply through the official application portal at https://fa-exwy-saasfaprod1.fa.ocs.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_1/jobs/preview/114.

Deadline

29/11/2025.

Disclaimer

This job post has been published by Blue-jobs based on information that is publicly available on the internet through official company websites or third-party job boards. Blue-jobs is not affiliated with the company mentioned and does not take responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or updates of the job content. If you would like to edit or remove this post, please contact us at info@blue-jobs.com.