November 27, 2009
By Biospace.com
Overview
Finding out about job openings in marine biology can be a challenge. According to the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, "the supply of marine scientists far exceeds the demand, and the number of government jobs (the federal and state governments are important employers) is decreasing." However, that doesn't mean that finding a position in the field is impossible, especially if you know how to look.
Step 1
Visit Stanford University Hopkins Marine Station.. It lists over one hundred resources for marine biologists seeking employment or internships. It hosts a comprehensive lists of laboratories and agencies that regularly employ marine biologists, as well as tips for seeking employment, research funding, or further education.
Step 2
Join and participate in professional organizations within your field, such as the Marine Conservation Biology Institute. Professional organizations provide opportunities for networking and collaboration, which are great ways to find out about job openings. They often also host job boards or career centers where you can search for active openings. See the resources section for a partial list of professional organizations.
Step 3
Utilize resources provided by your university. Universities almost always have career centers whose primary goals are to match students and alumni with careers in their fields. Consider contacting the career centers of several major universities in your area to ask for job leads. Often, they are more than willing to help. You can also contact professors you have good relationships with.
Step 4
Subscribe to marine biology scholarly journals and trade publications. These resources, especially trade publications, regularly list and discuss openings in the field. An additional benefit to job seekers is that they also offer articles and information about laboratories and organizations that those seeking position may never have heard of. These could lead to promising job leads. See the James Cook University Marine Biology and Aquaculture Resource List in the resources section for a list of journals and trade publications.
Step 5
Attend marine biology conferences and symposiums. Leading experts in the field will offer presentations on cutting edge research and give information on the agencies they are associated with. Some conferences have beak out sessions on finding and successfully gaining employment in the field. See the resources section for a directory of Conferences and Symposiums.
Tips
Try niche Internet job boards, such as Dice Holdings. Also consider setting up a Google Alert with the keywords "Marine Biology Jobs". Call upon the network of professionals you've met in the field to inquire about openings. Conduct library or Internet research to find other laboratories or organizations that you'd be interested in working for. Contact them to inquire about openings.
References
Biospace.com: Biotech and Pharmaceutical News & Jobs
Stanford University Hopkins Marine Station
Southwest Fisheries and Science Center
Professional Organizations for Marine Biologists
Marine Biology Conferences and Symposiums
James Cook University Marine Biology and Aquaculture Resource List
Help employers find you! Check out all the jobs and post your resume.
