Research Jobs in Honolulu, HI
Research jobs in Honolulu draw from a dense cluster of science, healthcare, and policy institutions concentrated in Manoa, Kaka'ako, and the University of Hawaii corridor, with additional demand from federal and defense-adjacent employers near Pearl Harbor. Active employers right now include University of Hawaii system, A.I.S., and Booz Allen Hamilton. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Description
Duties and Responsibilities
- **Implements the work plan for the UH Manoa Plant Materials Development Program, a partnership between the College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resilience (CTAHR) and the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), ensuring timely and effective completion of program objectives.
- **Directs, supervises, and assigns work to Seed Production and Seed Collection Technicians (4 FTE), including hiring, promotions, terminations, approving time reporting, conducting performance evaluations, developing staff skills, and ensuring workplace safety.
- **Oversees the collection, accessioning, processing, storage, and distribution of wild plant materials, including stock and bulk seed products, in accordance with established protocols.
- **Establishes and manages small- to medium-scale field production (e.g., the Office of Hawaiian Affairs’ (OHA) Kukaniloko OHA property and CTAHR’s agricultural research stations) for native plant stock seed development and supports field establishment of native plant populations for bulk seed production for multiple native plant species.
- **Manages harvesting, accessioning, processing, and storage of wild plant materials and stock and bulk seed products.
- **Ensures quality control of plant materials production and associated biological data, including oversight of data entry, database management, and documentation accuracy.
- **Coordinates and tracks partner and subcontractor activities related to plant material collection, propagation, site preparation, and production logistics.
- **Coordinates site access, logistics, and field activities with partner organizations.
- Tracks expenditures and procures project supplies and equipment; maintains inventories and ensures proper use and maintenance of equipment.
- **Troubleshoots, documents, and assesses challenges related to plant material development and production, and develops improvements to workflows and production techniques.
- **Contributes to permit applications, compliance documentation, and required internal and external reports, including written and quantitative project reporting.
- **Communicates and coordinates program activities with UH units, collaborating agencies, and project partners.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications
- Considerable working knowledge of principles, practices, and techniques in the area of native plant materials development, native plant production, and biological resource management as demonstrated by the broad knowledge of the full range of pertinent standard and evolving concepts, principles and methodologies.
- Considerable working knowledge and understanding of applicable federal and state laws, rules, regulations, and systems associated with natural resource management, plant materials collection, and environmental compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve wide-ranging complex problems through creative reasoning and logical analysis in an effective and timely manner.
- Demonstrated ability to interpret and present information clearly and accurately in writing, verbally, and through preparation of reports and other materials.
- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external organizations, team leaders and members, and individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to operate a personal computer and apply word processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, statistical, and geospatial software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and ArcGIS). Demonstrated ability to lead subordinates, manage work priorities and projects, conduct performance evaluations, and manage employee relations.
- Knowledge of native plants, native ecosystems, and natural resources in Hawai‘i.
- Knowledge of plant materials collection, storage, and protocols, including field/farm-based production.
- Proficiency in weed control techniques, including safe handling and application of pesticides.
- Proven ability to manage performance evaluations, supervise personnel functions (including hiring, promotions, and terminations), set work standards and expectations, and foster professional development.
- Ability to plan and execute logistically complex field operations in agricultural and remote field environments.
- Ability and willingness to perform strenuous outdoor fieldwork, including hiking long distances and working in rugged terrain under variable weather conditions.
- Ability to hike up to six (6) miles per day, with a backpack weighing up to thirty-five (35) pounds unassisted, and camp in remote areas and rugged terrain for up to four (4) days at a time.
- Valid U.S. driver’s license and ability to operate a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
- Must possess Certification in First Aid/CPR or be able to obtain the certificate within three (3) months of hire through provided training. Certificate must be maintained throughout the duration of employment.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain State of Hawai‘i certification for Application of Restricted Use Pesticides within six (6) months from the date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
- Must complete the online Hazard Communication training immediately after hire or no later than the employee's initial exposure to hazardous chemicals.
- Must complete Unexploded Ordnance (UXO) Training within six (6) months from date of hire and maintain throughout duration of employment.
- Must be able to complete helicopter safety courses within six (6) months from date of hire.
- If selected for chainsaw use, must be able to complete chainsaw training within twelve (12) months from date of hire.
- Required to comply with all applicable RCUH, University of Hawai‘i, and business entity policies, procedures, and training as a condition of employment.
Desirable Qualifications
- Education and experience managing species and ecosystems in Hawai‘i.
- Working knowledge of agricultural production systems and their management, and seed production practices.
- Familiarity with biological database application and maintenance.
- Experience coordinating with multiple agencies and partners on conservation or restoration projects.
- Familiarity with inventory, monitoring, and assessment techniques for natural resource programs.
- Experience running field operations, including scheduling, logistics, and risk assessment.
- Knowledge of plant identification tools and resources.
- Knowledge of trial and experimental design principles.
To Apply:
- Cover Letter: A letter detailing your interest and how you meet both the minimum and desirable qualifications. All minimum qualifications must be met by the closing date to be considered.
- Resume/CV: A current professional resume or curriculum vitae.
- Professional References: The names, telephone numbers, and email addresses of three (3) professional references.
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Unofficial Transcripts: Copies of unofficial transcripts are required for the application, though official versions must be provided upon hire. Please note that copies of diplomas and academic summaries are not acceptable substitutes.
- Foreign Credential Evaluation: For degrees earned outside the U.S., you must provide a course-by-course analysis and equivalency statement from a NACES-member agency at your own expense.
Inquiries:
EEO, Clery Act, ADA
Employment is contingent on satisfying employment eligibility verification requirements of the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986; reference checks of previous employers; and for certain positions, criminal history record checks.
In accordance with the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, annual campus crime statistics for the University of Hawai'i may be viewed at: https://www.hawaii.edu/titleix/help/campus-security/, or a paper copy may be obtained upon request from the respective UH Campus Security or Administrative Services Office.
In accordance with Article 10 of the unit 08 collective bargaining agreement, bargaining unit members receive priority consideration for APT job vacancies. As a result, external or non BU 08 applicants may not be considered for some APT vacancies. BU 08 members with re-employment rights or priority status are responsible for informing the hiring unit of their status.
Accommodation Request: The University of Hawai'i complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the EEO coordinator directly. Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. For further information, please refer to the following link: https://www.hawaii.edu/offices/eeo/accommodation-request/
See All 23 Research Jobs in Honolulu
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Find Research JobsResearch Job Market in Honolulu
Who's Hiring
- University of Hawaii system11

- A.I.S.2

- Booz Allen Hamilton2

- University Health Partners of Hawaii2

- FINN Partners1

Top Industries Hiring
- Education
- Non-Profit & Social Services
- Healthcare & Medical Services
Research Jobs in Honolulu: Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get a research job in Honolulu?
Honolulu's research market is anchored by its university ecosystem, federal agencies, and a growing life sciences cluster in Kaka'ako, so targeting those employer types gives you the clearest path in. Roles in marine science, public health, and defense research are particularly active locally. Candidates who can demonstrate experience with grant-funded projects, Pacific-region datasets, or interdisciplinary fieldwork stand out most in this market.
Which companies hire researchs in Honolulu?
Employers hiring researchs in Honolulu right now include University of Hawaii system, A.I.S., and Booz Allen Hamilton, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Honolulu's employer mix tends toward universities, federal research labs, nonprofit institutes, and healthcare systems rather than large private-sector corporations.
Are there remote research jobs in Honolulu?
Yes, though availability depends heavily on the type of work. Desk-based and analytical research roles can often be done remotely, while fieldwork, lab, and clinical positions are almost always on-site. About 14% of research openings tied to Honolulu are remote or hybrid as of July 2026, with policy analysis and data-focused roles being the most frequently listed as remote.
How can I get a research job in Honolulu with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry point in Honolulu is a research assistant or lab coordinator role at the University of Hawaii system, which hires entry-level candidates regularly across departments. Federal agencies and nonprofit health organizations in the city also run structured programs for early-career researchers. Volunteer work with local environmental or public health initiatives, combined with strong technical writing samples, gives newer candidates a practical edge here.
Which industries hire the most researchs in Honolulu?
The sectors hiring the most researchs in Honolulu are Education, Non-Profit & Social Services, and Healthcare & Medical Services, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of July 2026. Honolulu's geographic position and federal presence make it a natural hub for Pacific-focused environmental, defense, and public health research programs.
Related Jobs in Hawaii
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