Postdoctoral Associate - Coral Reef Futures Lab

University of Miami • Miami, FL

4d • Onsite

About The Position

The Coral Reef Futures Lab at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our coral biology and restoration research program. This position will focus on advancing research in Caribbean coral reproduction, larval ecology, and early life history, with a particular emphasis on scaling propagation and out planting outcomes using our land-based coral facility. The successful candidate will help lead research on coral spawning, fertilization, larval development, settlement, and/or post-settlement survival, while directly contributing to broader restoration initiatives. This role emphasizes scientific leadership, experimental design, and mentorship, with opportunities to integrate new science into applied restoration efforts, with the potential for significant career advancement. Current active areas of research and implementation in the lab include: Assisted gene flow of Caribbean corals via international breeding efforts around the region, with the goal of increasing diversity, adaptive capacity, and resilience; Improving restoration pipelines designed to increase the scale of restoration using sexually derived recruits, including new technologies such as hydrogels, bioprinting, substrate enhancements, and anti-fouling coatings; Holobiome interventions to increase the resilience of coral restoration efforts, including algal symbiont provisioning and probiotics; The design and deployment of hybrid barrier reefs to help protect coastlines and the deployment of early-stage coral recruits to these structures.

Requirements

• Ph.D. in marine biology, coral biology, ecology, or a related field, with experience in coral spawning, gamete handling, fertilization, and/or larval rearing.
• At least 3–4 years of experience in coral biology or closely related research preferred
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity (publications, technical reports, or equivalent)
• Doctorate degree in relevant field required
• No previous experience required
• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures, technologies, and protocols, and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software, technology, and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

• Exceptionally experienced candidates may also be eligible for hire at the Assistant Scientist level.
• AAUS scientific diving certification
• Experience working in or collaborating with land-based coral nurseries
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Comfortable working in outdoor facilities that can be seasonally hot and humid
• Willing to work during non-traditional hours (e.g., nighttime spawning events)
• Commitment to training and supporting emerging scientists
• Interest in translating reproductive biology into applied restoration outcomes

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research projects focused on coral reproduction, larval biology, and early life history
• Design and execute experiments on spawning, fertilization success, larval performance, and settlement
• Advance methods for larval propagation and recruitment to support restoration efforts
• Mentor undergraduate and MPS students conducting independent research projects
• Contribute to and/or lead manuscript preparation, grant writing, and collaborative proposals
• Help coordinate spawning activities and nursery-based research across multiple institutional partners

Benefits

• The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.
• We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully.
• United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.
• The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
• Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law.
• The mission of the University of Miami is to transform lives through education, research, innovation, and service.
• A vibrant and diverse academic and healthcare community, the University of Miami and the University of Miami Health System ("UHealth") have rapidly progressed to become one of the nation’s top research universities and academic medical centers in the nation.
• The University comprises 12 schools and colleges serving undergraduate and graduate students in more than 350 majors and programs.
• The University ranks No. 55 on U.S. News & World Report’s 2022 Best Colleges list and ranked No. 49 in the 2022 Wall Street Journal/Times Higher Education College Rankings.
• Bascom Palmer Eye Institute is ranked the #1 eye hospital in the USA and offers some of the nation's premiere eye doctors to treat every eye condition for adults.
• Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer, part of the Miller School of Medicine, received the prestigious National Cancer Institute designation in 2019.
• The University of Miami and UHealth have also ranked among the Forbes Best Employers and Best Employers for Women on several occasions, most recently in 2022.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Ph.D. or professional degree