Background and Fellowship Overview
The Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean (MARCO) was established in 2009 by the governors of the five Mid-Atlantic coastal states: Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, and New York. MARCO is the recognized Regional Ocean Partnership in the Mid-Atlantic, and is led by a Management Board comprising coastal managers or other state agency leadership from each of the five states. MARCO has identified four regional priorities for shared action to improve ocean health and contribute to the high quality of life and economic vitality of our region: coordinate the protection of important marine habitats, including sensitive and unique offshore areas; collaborate on a regional approach to support the sustainable development of renewable energy in offshore areas; prepare Mid-Atlantic communities for the impacts of climate change on coastal and ocean resources, and promote improvements in ocean water quality.
MARCO is seeking applications from qualified individuals for a fellowship opportunity aimed at addressing microplastics marine debris issues. This fellowship will support MARCO’s Marine Debris Work Group.
The fellowship offers recipients valuable science communications experience, networking opportunities within the microplastics field, mentorship, and a platform to showcase their work at events such as the 2025 MARCO Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Summit. This exposure not only enhances professional development, but also elevates visibility within the field.
Within the first month of the fellowship, the Fellow will meet with MARCO staff to identify career interests and mentorship needs. Travel opportunities, such as professional conferences, marine debris workgroup member offices, or other mentoring and hands-on experiences, will be determined during project development. Funds will be allocated either through a stipend to the Fellow via their college or university or via a 1099 contract directly with the Fellow.
Addressing the complex challenges posed by microplastics pollution requires a multidisciplinary approach that combines scientific expertise with policy knowledge, communication skills, and a commitment to environmental conservation. While not mandatory, candidates possessing the following qualifications are encouraged to apply:
- Academic, volunteer, or professional experience in marine science, environmental science, engineering, public policy, chemical or polymer science, water quality, conservation, or related fields.
- Passion for environmental conservation and a demonstrated commitment to pursuing a career in the field.
- Demonstrated interest or experience in microplastics research and marine debris mitigation efforts.
- Ability to effectively communicate scientific findings and engage stakeholders, policymakers, and the public in microplastics awareness and mitigation efforts.
MARCO’s commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, justice, and accessibility recognizes that our work is best advanced by the contributions of people of diverse backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.
Recruiting and mentoring team members to create an inclusive organization is a priority. MARCO highly encourages applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status, or other status protected by law.
Availability of Funding
This is a 12 month fellowship opportunity with a maximum stipend of $33,000. The stipend covers direct and indirect costs to the college or university, and up to $5,000 for other direct expenses for travel.
Scope of Work
The fellow will undertake project development and coordination activities related to microplastics, to include:
- Development of a comprehensive framework and plan for a series of webinars addressing microplastics issues, including identification of themes, partners, and determining discussion points.
- Coordination with researchers and topic area experts to develop the webinar series.
- Regular communication between the selected Fellow and a mentor – identified in partnership with MARCO – who will advise on their final project process, delivery, and publication if applicable
- Execution of approximately four Mid-Atlantic Marine Debris Action Plan-aligned webinars covering various aspects of microplastics research, impacts, and mitigation strategies.
- Attendance during monthly Work Group meetings.
- Opportunity for the Fellow to present their work and findings at the 2025 MARCO Marine Debris Summit.
Predesignating a mentor is optional. If an applicant has someone in mind, the proposed mentor may submit a letter of support confirming their willingness and commitment to participate fully. MARCO offers mentorship throughout the project via its network of collaborators.
Eligibility
- Individuals including, but not limited to, undergraduate or graduate students currently enrolled in a U.S. college or university.
- Applicants must be United States citizens with preference given to residents of the Mid-Atlantic.
- Must be able to devote eight to ten hours per week to fellowship activities.
- Should be able to travel to the 2025 MARCO Marine Debris Summit (approximately October 2025).
Application Instructions
Interested individuals should submit their qualifications, including a resume or CV, a written statement, and contact information for 2-3 professional references. Selected candidates will be contacted for virtual interviews. Applications should be submitted to Jes Watts at jwatts@midatlanticocean.org by June 30th, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. ET, and will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please include:
- In the subject line: “Application for MARCO Marine Debris Fellowship”
- Written statement (maximum two pages) addressing:
- Your interest in marine debris issues, specifically microlevel debris
- Previous experience with webinar or other relevant event and/or education planning
- An explanation of how the fellowship will further your career goals
- Other relevant information
- Maximum two-page resume or CV.
- If applicable, the most recent unofficial transcript from the institution where the student is enrolled at the time of application.
- 2-3 references (letters of recommendation accepted).
MARCO reserves the right to extend or reopen this request for qualifications.
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: June 30, 2024, at 11:59 pm ET.
- Notification of Acceptance: by August 1, 2024.
- Fellowship Start Date: September 1, 2024.
- Fellowship Performance Period: September 1, 2024, through August 31, 2025.
MARCO looks forward to receiving applications from enthusiastic and dedicated individuals committed to addressing microplastics pollution. For inquiries or further information, please contact Jes Watts at jwatts@midatlanticocean.org.
Funding Acknowledgement
These positions are funded by the Mid-Atlantic Regional Council on the Ocean via its fiscal sponsor, the Coastal States Stewardship Foundation, using Federal funds under award NA23NOS4730041 from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Office for Coastal Management, U.S. Department of Commerce. The statements, findings, conclusions, and recommendations are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the NOAA Office for Coastal Management or the U.S. Department of Commerce.