Having multiple UNOLS volunteers aboard our ADEON cruise was the difference between ending the cruise as a resounding success as opposed to merely accomplishing the science objectives. - Dr. Jennifer Miksis-Olds, UNH
Welcome to the UNOLS Cruise Opportunity Program Webpage!
The primary goal of the UNOLS Cruise Opportunity Program is to provide graduate students currently completing (or who have recently completed) a degree in a field of oceanographic research with the opportunity to participate in a research cruise. The participant will be a member of the scientific party and be involved in data collection and all other activities at sea. It is envisioned that the individual will be familiar with the science to be conducted at sea, and thus, form new collaborations and potentially develop new research directions. To be eligible to participate in this program, the individual must be either currently be studying at a U.S.-based institution or a recent graduate, and must have either a U.S. Passport or a U.S. Work Visa. Please note that you are responsible for paying for your travel to/from the ship (unless otherwise noted), the UNOLS Office is unable to provide travel funds; however your advisor or institution may have some ideas.
Please review the opportunities and apply by their deadlines listed below.
Note to PIs: If you have empty bunks on your cruise, please consider making them available to graduate students. Contact the UNOLS Office to coordinate. Thank you!
To be notified when new cruise opportunities become available, please sign up for the Cruise Opportunity email list.
Available Cruise Opportunities
R/V Kilo Moana
September 22, 2025 - October 3, 2025
Honolulu, HI to Honolulu, HI
PLEASE NOTE: PREFERRED DEADLINE IS August 29, 2025.
We are recruiting 2-3 junior scientists to participate in an oceanographic cruise from September 22-October 3 on board the R/V Kilo Moana in the North Pacific Ocean. The goal of this project is to understand the coupling between nutrient limitation and oceanic methane production in oligotrophic gyres. The study is a collaborative project funded by NSF-BSF and includes sampling from the ship and in situ data collection with analytical instrumentation.
Responsibilities include assisting with CTD deployments and seawater sampling for dissolved gases, dissolved organic matter, nutrients, omics analyses, and incubation experiments with stable isotope tracers. Participants will also assist with gas analytical measurements and data collection at sea. There will be opportunities to participate in scientific discussions and contribute to interpretation of biogeochemical data while underway. Applications from graduate students and early career scientists are particularly encouraged. Prior experience is preferred but not required. Participants will receive training in these activities.
The expedition will depart from, and return to Honolulu, HI. You are responsible for paying for your travel to/from the ship, funding for travel is available but limited.
If you are interested, please complete the form attached and submit the required documents. You are welcome to forward questions regarding participation on the cruise to Oscar Sosa at ososa@pugetsound.edu, preferably by August 29.
To be considered, fill out this form.