Project Manager

The University of Washington is seeking a Project Manager for the School of Oceanography to provide administrative oversight of the Seafloor Sampling Facility. The role involves coordinating logistics, managing budgets, and serving as a key interface between scientific and logistical functions to ensure effective operations.

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the first and central point of contact for the SEASAM Facility, including for researchers preparing proposals, funded Principal Investigators (PI), vessel and other facility operators (e.g., Multidisciplinary Instrumentation in Support of Oceanography (MISO) Facility, National Deep Submergence Facility (NDSF)) that require scientific or operational support from the SEASAM Facility. Track the University-National Oceanographic Laboratory System (UNOLS) Marine Facilities Planner (MFP) to identify funded projects that may need support and initiate PI contact. Set up internal and external meetings and maintain accessible documentation of meeting outcomes. Work with Operations Manager to develop support budgets for external users of the facility and as-required for the National Science Foundation. Bring scientific and logistical expertise to operational decisions regarding equipment and personnel
• Utilize operational and logistical expertise to represent SEASAM in UNOLS scheduling meetings as required. Maintain an updated calendar of cruise dates, mobilization and demobilization information, personnel assignments, and synopses of equipment and consumable needs. Work with Operations Manager and Expedition Leads to coordinate shipping and travel related to SEASAM Facility activities. Collate shipping quotes and handle documentation of competition when applicable. Procure over-the-side insurance for equipment as required. Navigate radiation safety use considerations and documentation for shipping of radiation sources required for shipboard operations (e.g., sealed 137Cs source, CT-scanner, portable X-ray sources). Manage shipping and travel bookings for SEASAM equipment and personnel, including return shipping of recovered samples to designated repositories
• Manage assets and records of physical inventory status and location, both internally and on the UNOLS MFP. Contribute scientific and operational expertise to decisions surrounding equipment maintenance and development priorities. Coordinate with Operations Manager and Expedition Leads in budgeting for consumables, maintenance and repair of equipment. Oversee vendor contracts, including establishment of purchase orders and invoice submissions
• Work collaboratively with the Impact Manager, Operations Manager, and Director to facilitate community input, workforce development (PI training, sea-going interns, etc.) and discovery of facility resources and data products. Collate technician post-cruise feedback and documentation on operational experiences to build institutional knowledge of seafloor sampling operations from UNOLS and non-UNOLS platforms
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements:

• Bachelors' degree in Earth or environmental science (e.g., marine science, geology, geography, etc.) or equivalent experience
• Four years' experience in the broad field of marine geoscience, including:
• Engagement with laboratory and shore-side research reliant on seafloor samples
• Experience with seafloor sampling operations, including:
• Cruise planning and logistics, including international shipping
• Shipboard operation and deployment of seafloor sampling equipment, including jumbo piston corers
• Operation and maintenance of instrument track systems (e.g., multi-sensor core loggers, CT-scanners, etc) used for characterization of samples at sea
• Shipboard curation and archival of seafloor samples, including jumbo piston cores
• Strong communication and organizational skills, with the ability to act as a liaison between scientists, vessel operators, and marine technicians
• Experience maintaining records, shared files, calendars, and basic documentation systems
• Proficiency with standard office software, including email, calendars, spreadsheets, and word processing
• Familiarity with the UNOLS system, its major facilities and the capabilities and limitations of its diverse research vessels
• Operational proficiency with the UNOLS MFP
• Familiarity with the NSF marine geology repositories
• Experience with training and documentation required for shipping and shipboard use of radioactive sources
• Leadership experience in oceanographic and/or marine geoscience facilities, including demonstrated management skill and ability to work successfully with diverse individuals and viewpoints
• Experience supporting budgeting, procurement, or financial tracking