The 2024 NSF-UNOLS Chief Scientist Workshop is a 5-day research project from August 20th to August 27th, 2024 aboard the Research Vessel Kilo Moana. This year’s training cruise has an emphasis on Biological and Chemical Oceanographic research.
The Chief Scientist Training Workshop includes:
- Pre-cruise video-conferences and an in-person, pre-cruise workshop to familiarize participants with key steps in the planning and execution of a successful research cruise
- Participant-led research hypotheses and cruise objectives
- Development of shipboard sampling plans that maximize efficient use of the shared resources (e.g., ship time, equipment, supplies)
- Loading of the research vessel and familiarization with pre-departure cruise coordination (August 21st 2024)
- A 5-day research cruise aboard R/V Kilo Moana (August 22nd – August 26th, 2024)
- On-board training with shipboard scientific equipment
- Collection of biological and chemical datasets facilitating collaborative science
The goal of this program is to help early-career ocean scientists (e.g., PhD students, postdocs and new faculty) gain familiarity with developing both proposals that request ship-time and UNOLS processes for ship-time requests and reporting, establish new collaborations built around addressing scientific questions, become familiar with shipboard equipment and sampling at sea, and communicate major findings through writing of manuscripts and cruise reports.
Participants will help plan and execute 5 days of at-sea oceanographic research that will take advantage of shipboard and PI supplied equipment to address scientific questions related to understanding microbial diversity and rates of particle production and flux in the North Pacific Subtropical Gyre. Pre-cruise meetings and workshops will be used to identify participant-specific research questions and objectives.
Travel costs, research supplies, and shipping will be paid for participants. Space is limited. To apply you must be an employee or student (U.S. Citizen or permanent resident) at a U.S. institution. For future opportunities, keep an eye on the Early Career Opportunities page at UNOLS.org.