FWI

International Oceans Liaison (Chief Scientist)

Location US-
ID 2026-2360

Overview

You have spent your career at the crossroads of ocean science and international diplomacy — equally at home presenting findings to a Senate subcommittee, co-chairing a bilateral working group with Canadian counterparts, or reviewing a new methodology standard with researchers from a dozen nations. As the International Oceans Liaison supporting NOAA's Global Ocean Monitoring and Observing (GOMO) Program and Ocean Acidification Program (OAP), you will serve as the senior scientific authority and primary representative for the programs' global partnerships and interagency engagements. You will manage the full scope of NOAA's international ocean observing and acidification relationships — from the joint NOAA–Department of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) bilateral collaboration to leadership roles in global ocean monitoring committees — ensuring that the United States maintains its position at the forefront of international ocean science. Your work will directly shape how the world monitors, understands, and responds to the changing state of our oceans.

 

Work Schedule and Location:

Remote: This full-time remote position will work Monday through Friday, 8 AM EST to 5 PM EST with Travel up to 25%

Responsibilities

  • Coordinate tracking and records management systems for the internal research portfolio; process data ingestion calls across participating laboratories and map project execution trajectories against structural milestones 
  • Maintain database registries in full compliance with federal tracking frameworks and establish documentation mechanisms to facilitate continuous program-laboratory dialogue 
  • Develop, distribute, and execute objective evaluation metrics and review rubrics to assess project performance, track technical deliverables, and identify programmatic adjustments for government review 
  • Manage program content and process documentation for the full lifecycle of grants from conceptualization through proposal review to post-award reporting 
  • Draft Notice of Funding Opportunities (NOFOs), Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and competitive text frameworks for internal and external program competitions for formal Federal Program Officer (FPO) approval 
  • Coordinate the logistics, registration, documentation, and technical execution pipelines for proposal selection panels; compile reviewer materials for formal government selection files 
  • Execute administrative oversight, milestone tracking, and deliverable validation records for early-career scientist small grants programs 
  • Apply expert and highly specialized knowledge to gather facts, research and analyze portfolio data, and develop conclusions, recommendations, and strategies for program leadership
  • Lead project teams for discrete portfolio administration tasks; provide limited supervision and quality review of junior staff contributions
  • Maintain grant portfolio records in compliance with federal standards to facilitate rapid response to agency-wide or international data calls

Qualifications

Required: 

  • MS or Ph.D. degree in a relevant scientific, engineering, or other technical field.
  • 15+ years of total experience.
  • 10+ years of professional experience in management staff in a of complex programs and projects.

Desired: 

  • Demonstrated experience managing the full lifecycle of federal grants, including drafting NOFOs and RFPs, coordinating competitive review panels, and overseeing post-award compliance and reporting
  • Familiarity with federal grant tracking systems and program management databases (e.g., NRDD or equivalent internal tracking frameworks)
  • Experience developing and applying quantitative program evaluation metrics and review rubrics to assess scientific project performance
  • Knowledge of the Federal Ocean Acidification Research and Monitoring (FOARAM) Act and experience supporting congressional reporting or regulatory compliance for a federal science program
  • Strong scientific literacy in oceanography, marine science, or environmental science; ability to review research workplans and assess progress against technical milestones
  • Experience coordinating proposal review panels, including logistics, reviewer management, and documentation of selection decisions for federal compliance
  • Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail; demonstrated ability to maintain audit-ready records across a large, multi-project portfolio
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Low-risk federal security clearance

Work Setting and Environment:

  • Primary location: NOAA Silver Spring Metro Center (SSMC), 1315 East-West Highway, Silver Spring, MD 20910. This position is eligible for remote work with travel as needed to the above location.
  • All work activities are eligible for telework or remote performance
  • Travel required, including at-sea deployments on NOAA vessels and national/international coordination meetings; all travel pre-approved by COR

FWI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/vets. 

Why Join Our Team

 

At FWI, we place the highest importance on creating an exceptional employee experience. You'll have opportunities to achieve your career aspirations through internal promotions, professional development, and other recognition and rewards programs. Join our team and take advantage of the many benefits we offer, including:

  • Health Insurance
  • Dental Insurance
  • Vision Insurance
  • Long-term and Short-term Disability Insurance
  • Life Insurance
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Holiday Pay
  • Paid Time Off

Pay Range

117000-124000 a year

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