Dive Deep into Marine Biology: Epic Careers in Ocean Academia Await!
Marine Biology faculty jobs immerse you in the mysteries of ocean ecosystems, from coral reefs to deep-sea trenches. With rising demand driven by climate change research and marine conservation, academic positions at coastal universities and oceanographic institutes abound. Students, start with a bachelor's in Marine Biology, featuring fieldwork on research vessels and scuba expeditions—key for grad school and beyond. Aspiring professors, your PhD in oceanography or marine ecology unlocks tenure-track roles teaching ichthyology or supervising NOAA-funded projects.
Explore quirks like studying hydrothermal vent extremophiles at WHOI or Hawaii's manta ray migrations. Professionals, check competitive openings via our Higher Ed Jobs Search. Rate inspiring Marine Biology professors on Rate My Professor, review earnings on professor salaries, and get tips from higher ed career advice. Thriving paths await in this dynamic field!
Why Choose Marine Biology in Higher Education?
Marine Biology academia blends cutting-edge research with teaching the next wave of ocean stewards. Faculty lead expeditions to Antarctica's krill fisheries or California's kelp forests, addressing plastic pollution and sea-level rise. Prestige shines at labs like Scripps (UCSD), where discoveries influence global policy. Students benefit from hands-on labs; parents, note strong ROI with marine grads earning 10% above biology averages early-career.
Link your journey: search research jobs or faculty positions. Rate Marine Biology instructors shaping futures on Rate My Professor.
Student Pathways: Studying Marine Biology
Pursue BS/MS/PhD programs emphasizing marine ecology, physical oceanography, and statistics. Top quirks: Friday Harbor Labs (UW) offers summer immersion since 1904; Duke's Beaufort lab dives into estuarine quirks. Career paths span academia, NOAA fisheries, or aquaculture startups. Secure funding via scholarships tailored for ocean sciences.
Key Skills and Certifications
- SCUBA diving and boat handling—essential for 70% of field roles.
- Bioinformatics for genomic sequencing of marine microbes.
- Grant writing for NSF Ocean Sciences awards.
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Faculty Opportunities in Marine Biology
Tenure-track posts cluster in coastal hubs: California, Florida, Massachusetts. Fringe gems: adjunct roles at Texas A&M Galveston tracking Gulf hypoxia, or postdocs at MBARI deploying ROVs for Monterey Bay abyss. Apply to professor jobs, postdoc openings, or lecturer jobs.
Trends: 8% growth projected (BLS 2023), fueled by UN Ocean Decade initiatives.
Marine Biology Professor Salaries and Earnings
Earnings vary by rank and locale—assistants average $92,000 nationally, surging to $115,000 in CA coastal unis. Full professors hit $165,000+ at elite programs. Factors: grant pull (average $300k/year) boosts prestige and pay. Dive into details on professor salaries or university salaries.
| Rank | National Avg (2023) | Top Locale |
|---|---|---|
| Assistant Professor | $92,500 | CA ($115k) |
| Associate Professor | $118,000 | HI ($135k) |
| Full Professor | $162,000 | MA ($178k) |
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Job Search Tips for Marine Biology Roles
Tailor resumes with publications in Marine Ecology Progress Series. Network at ASLO conferences. Use free resume template and cover letter template. International? Check UK jobs or uni jobs abroad.
Associations for Marine Biology
Society for Marine Mammalogy
An international scientific society dedicated to the study, conservation, and management of marine mammals.
Marine Biological Association
A learned society promoting scientific research into all aspects of life in the sea and providing a unified voice for the marine biological community.
Australian Marine Sciences Association
The premier professional organization for marine scientists in Australia, advancing marine research, education, and policy.
Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography
An international association that fosters a diverse community advancing the sciences of limnology and oceanography through research and education.
International Council for the Exploration of the Sea
An intergovernmental organization that promotes marine research and provides scientific advice on sustainable use of the North Atlantic Ocean.
New Zealand Marine Sciences Society
A non-profit organization promoting marine science research, education, and awareness across New Zealand.
Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation
An organization dedicated to advancing understanding and stewardship of estuarine and coastal ecosystems worldwide.








