SERC Marine Invasions Research Laboratory

05/29/2026

Recent PhD? 🎓 This Opportunity Is for You!

Are you finishing (or recently completed) your PhD in ecology, biology, or a related field?
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center's Marine Invasions Research Lab is looking for a postdoc ready to:
✅ Lead independent research
✅ Work with large biodiversity datasets
✅ Develop innovative solutions to track invasive species

💡 You don’t need every listed qualification—we value diverse experiences and perspectives.
📍 Based in Edgewater, MD
💰 Competitive stipend + research funds
⏳ Applications due June 12, 2026
Take the next step in your research career 👇
https://serc.si.edu/fellowships/opportunities/marine-invasion-dynamics-advancing-detection-and-alert-systems

05/22/2026

🔬 Now Hiring: Postdoctoral Fellow in Marine Invasion Dynamics 🌊
The Marine Invasions Research Lab at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking a Postdoctoral Fellow to advance research on detection and alert systems for non-native species in coastal marine ecosystems.

📍 Location: Edgewater, Maryland
📅 Start: Summer 2026 (12-month appointment)
💰 Stipend: $62,000/year + up to $10,000 research allowance
This exciting opportunity is based in the Marine Invasions Research Lab, offering collaboration within a global network focused on marine invasion science. The selected fellow will lead independent research to design and evaluate effective, scalable alert systems for new species invasions across regions.

✅ Ideal candidates will have:
A PhD in natural/physical sciences
Experience with biodiversity data and modeling
Skills in R, SQL, or similar tools
Interest in invasion ecology and marine systems

📅 Apply by June 12, 2026 (11:59 PM EST)
📧 Submit materials to: [email protected]
Join us in developing innovative tools to better detect and respond to biological invasions worldwide 🌍

05/18/2026

"Mud Crabs" gouache painting by SERC Science Illustration Intern Mace Mayor.

Mace capped off their SERC internship this spring by sharing the artwork they created showcasing the nearshore environment of the Rhode River and the research conducted at the SERC dock.

One of the projects our lab has repeated for decades now is the collection of native, white-fingered mud crabs, Rhithropanopeus harrisii, to look for the introduced parasitic barnacle, Loxothylacus panopaei. Biologist Monaca Noble and a team of volunteers deploy and retrieve small crates filled with oyster shells and sift through the contents pulling out tiny crabs and examining them under magnification to look for evidence of parasitic infection.

This artistic view into the crated oyster shell habitat that shelters these tiny crabs is just one component of a large painting that will be on view at SERC's Reed Education Center. The full painting details the habitat along the shore of the Rhode River with an incredible use of light and color and features detailed pop outs of local flora and fauna of the Chesapeake Bay environment.

05/14/2026

🌊 LAST CHANCE to APPLY for our Biological Technician (Marine Biologist) position 🌊

The Marine Invasions Research Laboratory at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking an entry level Biological Technician to support field and laboratory research in Chesapeake Bay.

🔬 What you’ll do:
• Conduct field surveys of benthic invertebrates
• Process sediment samples for genetic & taxonomic analysis
• Work on collaborative research projects focused on aquatic invasions

📍 Location: Edgewater, Maryland
🕒 Full time | $46,610/year + benefits
📅 Application deadline: May 15, 2026 - TOMORROW!

🎓 Ideal for recent graduates with a background in biology, marine science, or environmental studies.

📩 Apply by email: Send cover letter, resume, and transcript to [email protected]
📌 Subject line: Biological Technician – Marine Biologist (SERC)

Join a world class research community and launch your career in marine science! 🌎🐚

https://serc.si.edu/get-involved/job-opportunities

05/11/2026

🎓 Recent graduate in marine or environmental science?
Start your career with the Smithsonian!

The Biological Technician (Marine Biologist) position at SERC offers hands on experience in:
✅ Chesapeake Bay fieldwork
✅ Marine invertebrate identification
✅ Data collection & research collaboration

📍 Edgewater, MD
💼 Full time | Entry level | Paid position
⏰ Apply by May 15, 2026

This is a great opportunity to build skills, receive mentorship, and work on real world marine conservation challenges.

📧 Apply: Email [email protected] with the subject line "Biological Technician - Marine Biologist (SERC)"

The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is a multidisciplinary, collaborative, and academic campus committed to the very highest standards of research and service to the community. We actively recruit and work with the best and brightest in the field. Join SERC and make a difference in....

05/07/2026

🌍 Special Session: Launch of the BRIDGE Program

📅 May 8, 2026
⏰ 1:00–2:00 PM (UTC)
🎤 Speaker: Dr. Amy Freestone

Biological invasions by non‑native species pose growing risks to marine ecosystems, local economies, food security, and human well‑being. Yet our understanding of the true extent of marine invasions remains limited—hindering effective biosecurity and management.
In this special session, Dr. Amy Freestone will introduce the BRIDGE Program (Bioinvasion Research Integration across Dynamic Global Ecosystems), a new international initiative designed to:

Improve coordination and communication across global networks
Develop standardized protocols for detecting non‑native marine species
Strengthen data sharing and quality control
Build capacity through collaboration, training, and team science

BRIDGE aims to accelerate marine invasion research and translate science into stronger biosecurity policy and practice.
🤝 We welcome researchers, practitioners, and partners who want to be part of this global effort.
👉 Don’t miss this opportunity to engage with the BRIDGE vision.



Visit this link to register or watch on YouTube:
https://www.aircentre.org/marine-biodiversity-networking-friday-on-the-the-bridge-program-bridging-networks-to-advance-collaboration-and-communication-on-marine-biosecurity/

05/06/2026

🎓🌱 Early-Career Opportunity at the Smithsonian!

Interested in marine ecology, benthic invertebrates, or aquatic invasions? Join the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) as a Biological Technician – Aquatic Invertebrate Analyst.

This role combines:
• Chesapeake Bay fieldwork
• Invertebrate identification & microscopy
• Genetic sample processing (metabarcoding)
• Team-based research across multiple projects

📍 Edgewater, MD
💰 $57,736/year + benefits
🗓 Applications due May 15, 2026

Apply by emailing your cover letter, resume, and transcripts to [email protected].

https://serc.si.edu/get-involved/job-opportunities

05/04/2026

🌊 Now Hiring: Biological Technician (Marine Biologist) 🌊

The Marine Invasions Research Laboratory at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking an entry level Biological Technician to support field and laboratory research in Chesapeake Bay.

🔬 What you’ll do:
• Conduct field surveys of benthic invertebrates
• Process sediment samples for genetic & taxonomic analysis
• Work on collaborative research projects focused on aquatic invasions

📍 Location: Edgewater, Maryland
🕒 Full time | $46,610/year + benefits
📅 Application deadline: May 15, 2026

🎓 Ideal for recent graduates with a background in biology, marine science, or environmental studies.

📩 Apply by email: Send cover letter, resume, and transcript to [email protected]

📌 Subject line: Biological Technician – Marine Biologist (SERC)

Click over to our website for more information: https://serc.si.edu/get-involved/job-opportunities

Join a world class research community and launch your career in marine science! 🌎🐚 All are welcome to apply!

05/01/2026

🌍 Marine Biodiversity Networking Friday | The BRIDGE Program 🌊

Join us on May 8, 2026 (1:00–2:00 PM UTC) for a special AIR Centre Networking Fridays webinar exploring how global collaboration can strengthen marine biosecurity.

🎙️ Featured Speaker: Our own Dr. Amy L. Freestone (Smithsonian Environmental Research Center) will present the BRIDGE Program—an international initiative advancing collaboration, standardized methods, and communication to tackle marine biological invasions.

🧭 Moderator: Periklis Kleitou (Marine & Environmental Research Lab, Cyprus)

✅ Learn how international networks can:
• Improve detection of non‑native marine species
• Strengthen biosecurity policy and management
• Build a global community of practice in invasion science

🔗 Register via Zoom or watch live on YouTube:
👉 https://s.si.edu/4tzS4Hf [https://s.si.edu/42A7MWZ]

On May 8, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM UTC+0, we will host a special session with Dr Amy Freestone focusing on the Bridge program. Biological invasions by non-native species can harm local economies, food security, and human health and well-being. Non-native species continue to spread rapidly in all b...

04/30/2026

🦀🌊 We’re Hiring! Biological Technician – Aquatic Invertebrate Analyst
The Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (SERC) is seeking a Biological Technician (Marine Invertebrate Analyst) to support research on benthic invertebrate communities in Chesapeake Bay.

🔬 What you’ll do:
• Conduct field-based benthic surveys
• Process sediment samples for taxonomic and genetic (metabarcoding) analysis
• Identify aquatic invertebrates using microscopy
• Work with a collaborative research team at the Marine Invasions Research Lab

📍 Location: Edgewater, MD
💼 Full-time | $57,736/year + benefits
📅 Application deadline: May 15, 2026

This is a great opportunity for early-career scientists interested in marine ecology, invasion biology, and hands-on field and lab work.

✅ Learn more & apply by emailing your materials to [email protected]
✉️ Subject: Biological Technician – Aquatic Invertebrate Analyst (SERC)

📄 For more information: https://serc.si.edu/get-involved/job-opportunities

We strongly encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.