The OYSTER Working Group is looking for enthusiastic, engaged and creative Early Career Researchers (ECRs) from the OYSTER network, i.e. all ECRs affiliated to a EuroMarine member institution, who are willing to play an important role supporting young scientists, as well as advocating for marine science and healthy oceans in general.

We welcome ECRs from all marine science related fields and backgrounds. Candidates are expected to engage with the Working Group throughout the year and contribute to its activities according to their interests, skills and availability. Applicants may express an interest in joining a specific team.

Background

OYSTER (Orienting Young ScienTists of EuroMarine) is EuroMarine's network of Early Career Researchers, supported by a permanent Working Group that aims to improve their representation and to create opportunities for their professional development. Keeping a participatory and bottom-up approach, the Working Group is led by a committed group of around 25 ECRs across EuroMarine member institutions. More information is available on the OYSTER page.

How OYSTER is organised

The OYSTER network is organised around its members (all ECRs within EuroMarine), the Working Group and the OYSTER ECR Representatives, who are the main contact point between the Working Group and ECRs in their institutions. This structure ensures both an effective operational organisation of the Working Group and broad representation and communication across the network.

Organisational structure of the OYSTER network within EuroMarine

The Working Group coordinates and implements the network's activities throughout the year. It is composed of the Co-chairs and members organised into teams: Secretary, Communication, Mentorship, Engagement and Funding. Meet the current OYSTER Group. For 2027, the Working Group is particularly looking for:

• Mentorship Team: 2 to 3 members
• Engagement Team: 2 to 3 members
• Funding Team: 1 to 2 members

Training and internal support will be provided to all selected members.

Who can apply

Eligible candidates include:

• PhD students,
• post-doctoral researchers within five years of completing their PhD, and
• technicians or research assistants within seven years of completing their MSc, based at a EuroMarine 2026 Full Member Organisation.

Candidates should have experience in marine research and be willing to use their creativity, communication and interpersonal skills to help promote marine science and EuroMarine OYSTER activities. Previous experience in other collaborative networks would be advantageous, although not mandatory. Candidates from all marine research disciplines are welcome, and candidates from countries currently underrepresented in the Working Group are particularly encouraged to apply (see Annex 1 of the full call).

Dedication and expectations

New Working Group members are expected to attend the monthly online meetings, take part in ongoing discussions and tasks, and dedicate a few hours each month to their team's work. Whenever possible, members are also encouraged to attend the annual in-person workshop and to represent the OYSTER network at relevant conferences and external events.

How to apply

• Application: CV (2 pages max) and a short motivation letter (max. 500 words). If you already have a preferred team, please indicate which one and why, together with any relevant skills or experience.
• Submission: by email to both oyster@euromarinenetwork.eu and oyster.secretariat@euromarinenetwork.eu by Friday 20 November 2026
• Selection: candidates will be informed by email by 16 December 2026
• Start of activity: January 2027, for at least one full year of commitment

Full details on the teams, eligibility and expectations are available in the full call text below.