Marine Biofouling Control Scientist

Vision Point Systems (VPS) is seeking a Marine Biofouling Control Scientist to support U.S. Navy research and development focused on preventing and managing biofouling on naval vessels and submerged structures.

The successful candidate will design and execute laboratory and field studies, evaluate antifouling coatings and other biofouling-control technologies, analyze performance data, and develop technical recommendations. The scientist will work with coating developers and other technology providers to evaluate new and modified coating formulations for targeted performance improvements rather than directly developing coating formulations.

This is a unique position within VPS and an opportunity to help grow a new technical capability while working with an established multidisciplinary team experienced in Navy corrosion, coatings, materials science, laboratory research, field testing, and technology transition. 

Responsibilities

• Design and execute laboratory and field experiments to evaluate antifouling coatings and other biofouling-control technologies.
• Characterize biofouling and coating performance using appropriate test methods, inspections, and quantitative performance metrics.
• Work with coating developers to evaluate formulation modifications and their effects on targeted performance characteristics.
• Plan and manage static and dynamic marine exposure testing and support shipboard or waterfront evaluations.
• Analyze biofouling, coatings, hydrodynamic, and other experimental data using appropriate statistical methods.
• Evaluate relationships between biofouling condition and ship performance, including impacts on efficiency when applicable.
• Develop technical conclusions and recommendations based on laboratory and field results.
• Prepare technical reports, proposals, presentations, and other technical documentation.
• Support development of research concepts, proposals, and funding opportunities related to marine biofouling control.
• Collaborate with Government, industry, academic, and other technical partners to evaluate and transition promising technologies.

VPS already has substantial experience designing laboratory tests, conducting field demonstrations, and transitioning coatings and materials technologies to Navy applications, providing the broader R&D foundation for this new biofouling capability. 

• B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in Marine/Ocean Engineering, Materials Science, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Mechanical Engineering, Marine Biology/Oceanography, or a related field.
• Experience with hydrodynamics, coating materials testing, or biofouling control.
• Experience designing and executing laboratory and field experiments.
• Experience with proposal development and funding acquisition.
• Proficiency in data analysis and statistics using tools such as R, PRIMER/PRIMER-e, Python, or comparable software.
• Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
• Must be willing and able to travel less than 25% of the time.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with biofouling-control technologies.
• Experience evaluating antifouling coatings.
• Familiarity with coating conformance testing in accordance with MIL-PRF-24647.
• Experience conducting biofouling inspections in accordance with ASTM D6990.
• Hydrodynamics experience evaluating the effects of biofouling on ship efficiency, including use of ISO 19030 or comparable approaches.