Job Requisition:
JR101439 Research Scientist (Open)
Job Posting Title:
Research Scientist
Department:
CC00496 VIMS1 | RADV | CCRM
Job Family:
Staff - Scientist
Worker Sub-Type:
Fixed Term (requires end date - benefited) (Fixed Term)
Job Requisition Primary Location:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Primary Job Posting Location:
Virginia Institute of Marine Science
Job Description Summary:
The Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS) has a three-part mission of research, education, and advisory service. Our overarching goals are to:
- Make seminal advances in understanding marine systems through research and discovery
- Translate research findings into practical solutions to complex issues of societal importance
- Provide new generations of researchers, educators, problem solvers, and managers with a coastal and marine sciences education of unsurpassed quality
The Center for Coastal Resources Management (CCRM) supports informed decision-making on resource management issues at all levels of government, including private and corporate stakeholders, through applied research, advisory services, and scientific innovation.
Job Description:
The Research Scientist will join the Coastal Systems Modeling Group within CCRM to support and advance research in coastal hydrodynamics, water quality processes, and next-generation operational modeling systems. The position will contribute to the development and implementation of seamless “creek-to-ocean” modeling frameworks using the SCHISM modeling system and advance artificial intelligence (AI)-based modeling approaches for coastal flooding and estuarine systems.
The Research Scientist will work collaboratively with faculty, graduate students, visiting scholars, and interdisciplinary partners while also developing independent research aligned with programmatic priorities and sponsor objectives.
Required Qualifications
Education
Ph.D. in Coastal Engineering, Oceanography, Civil/Environmental Engineering, Marine Science, Applied Mathematics, or closely related field
Experience
Demonstrated record of peer-reviewed research and scholarship commensurate with career stage
Experience with numerical modeling of oceanic and estuarine systems
Experience using unstructured grid models, particularly SCHISM
Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams
Knowledge, Skills & Competencies
Strong quantitative and analytical skills
Advanced programming skills (e.g., Python, Fortran, MATLAB, R, C/C++)
Experience with web-based model applications or visualization tools
Knowledge of coastal and estuarine physical processes
Familiarity with uncertainty quantification and statistical analysis
Preferred Qualifications
Experience integrating AI or machine learning approaches into environmental modeling
Experience with operational forecasting systems
Experience working on NOAA-funded or federal research projects
Experience mentoring graduate students
Experience contributing to proposal development and grant management
Salary Range: Starting at $65,000.00
Core Duties & Responsibilities
1. Coastal Systems Modeling & Numerical Simulation (35%)
Develop, implement, and refine unstructured-grid hydrodynamic and water quality models, particularly using the SCHISM modeling framework
Support development of seamless creek-to-ocean operational forecasting systems
Conduct model calibration, validation, and performance evaluation
Perform uncertainty quantification and statistical analyses of model outputs
Maintain version control and reproducible modeling workflows
2. AI-Based Model Development & Innovation (25%)
Develop and extend next-generation AI and machine learning models for coastal flooding and estuarine processes
Integrate AI methodologies with physics-based numerical models
Explore hybrid modeling frameworks to improve predictive skill and computational efficiency
Contribute to advancing operational forecasting tools for stakeholder use
3. Research, Scholarship & Grant Support (20%)
Contribute to peer-reviewed publications, technical reports, and sponsor deliverables
Assist in preparation of grant proposals and continuation applications
Present research findings at scientific conferences, workshops, and stakeholder meetings
Support NOAA-funded research objectives and reporting requirements
4. Collaboration & Mentorship (15%)
Work closely with graduate students, postdoctoral associates, and visiting scientists
Participate in interdisciplinary research teams
Engage with collaborators across institutions and agencies
Provide technical guidance on modeling workflows and computational methods
5. Independent Research Development (5%)
Develop new research directions aligned with coastal systems modeling goals
Identify emerging funding opportunities
Contribute to strategic growth of the modeling program
Conditions of Employment
Position is grant-funded and term-restricted
Continued employment contingent upon funding availability and performance
Occasional travel for conferences or collaborator meetings may be required
Occasional evening or weekend work to meet project deadlines may be required
Additional Job Description:
Job Profile:
JP0126 - Scientist II - Exempt - Salary - S10
Qualifications:
Compensation Grade:
S10
Recruiting Start Date:
2026-03-03
Review Date:
Position Restrictions:
Restricted Funds & Restricted Term
EEO is the Law. Applicants can learn more about William & Mary’s status as an equal opportunity employer by viewing the "Know Your Rights" poster published by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. https://www.eeoc.gov/know-your-rights-workplace-discrimination-illegal
Background Check: William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
Remote Work Disclaimer: Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
