Applications for the 2026–2027 Bentson Scholarship in Marine & Aquatic Science are now being accepted through October 2, 2026

The Bentson Scholarship is a merit-based award that supports high-achieving 1st-, 2nd-, and 3rd-year undergraduates who are passionate about marine and aquatic science and eager to deepen their involvement through research, fieldwork, and academic exploration.

We welcome applications from students majoring in Biology, Aquatic Biology, CCS Marine Science, CCS Biology, Geography, Environmental Studies, and Earth Science. 

What We're Looking For: We are seeking students who have demonstrated curiosity, commitment, and enthusiasm for marine and aquatic sciences—including marine, estuarine, and freshwater (limnological) systems—and who contribute to the diversity and strength of our community.

High-achieving does not mean perfect grades. Applications are reviewed holistically, taking into account your academic record, experiences, interests, personal statement, and potential to thrive as a Bentson Scholar. We encourage you to apply even if you don't think your GPA tells your whole story. 

Scholarship Award: Selected scholars receive $5,000 in their first year, with the opportunity for renewal throughout their undergraduate career at UCSB. Continued funding is contingent upon maintaining strong academic progress and pursuing coursework and experiences focused on marine and aquatic science.

Scholar Events: Bentson Scholars are expected to participate in our annual community events:

• Thursday, November 6, 2026
• Friday, June 4, 2027

These events are a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow scholars, faculty, alumni, and members of the marine and aquatic science community.

Channel Islands and Chumash National Marine Sanctuaries Wildlife Viewing Project

West Virginia University's Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design is seeking applications for a Temporary Field Interviewer. This position will be based near marine sanctuary settings in California. The Field Interviewer will conduct face-to-face interviewers with coastal visitors as they exit recreation sites and on whale-watching vessels. Interviewers will travel to a variety of, general recreation sites. Shifts vary between morning, afternoon and evening hours and very often occur on weekend days.

Must have reliable vehicle; mileage reimbursable

Timing: February to March of 2027, it might be multiple different students depending on individual availability.  Survey will start next month and will run through March 2027.

Compensation: $17.52/hr, 10 to 30 hours/week

Learn more and apply: West Virginia University Jobs

Internship Flyer (Find it in the archive)

The Benioff Ocean Science Laboratory seeks a highly motivated postdoctoral scholar to conduct field research on gray whale biology and ecology in the San Francisco Bay.

In the last five years, an increasing number of gray whales (Eschrichtius robustus) appear to be using the Bay as a migratory stopover during their 12,000-mile journey between Mexico and the Arctic. Marine mammal biologists have observed gray whales feeding and/or attempting to feed in the Bay, a departure from past migratory behavior that is not yet well understood and that puts whales in closer contact with human activity and often at greater risk of harm, including increased risk of ship strikes.

This research is targeted at answering some of the core ecological questions related to understanding how and why gray whales are currently using the Bay and what effects this use of Bay habitats has on the whales themselves.

The postdoc will work closely with collaborators at UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, the Marine Mammal Center, and additional stakeholders. The postdoc will take the lead in defining field and lab research plans, managing the logistics for accomplishment of this plan, collection and analysis of all data, publishing the results in peer-reviewed journal(s), and communicating about the research with relevant stakeholders.

The field research work will be conducted primarily in the Bay Area during the gray whale field season (approximately Jan–May). However, the on-site work location for the remainder of the season will be UC Santa Barbara. Salary is competitive and commensurate with the applicant's qualifications and experience. The initial appointment is for 2 years from the start date.

Qualifications Summary

Required

• PhD completed or near completion in biology, ecology, chemistry, environmental sciences, or related field.
• Doctoral degree required by start date.

Preferred

• Experience with benthic invertebrates, marine mammals, feeding/nutritional ecology, or marine toxicology.
• Familiarity with stable isotopes, eDNA, UAVs/drones, or benthic sonar.
• Strong ecological statistics, including mixed-effects or Bayesian models.
• Experience with fieldwork and small research vessels.
• Willingness to travel for fieldwork, including San Francisco Bay.
• Strong record of research, publications, and presentations.
• Excellent teamwork, communication, organization, and time management.

Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research (SBC LTER) internships are for students interested in kelp forest ecology, marine science and/or scientific SCUBA diving.

If helping run laboratory experiments and participating in field research, including beach surveys and scuba diving, is something of interest to you, please visit the SBCLTER opportunities webpage.

We encourage all motivated students to apply if you hope to gain invaluable hands-on experience in a marine science lab!