Research Associate 1

University of Miami • Miami, FL

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Coral Recruit Technician is an integral part of the University of Miami’s Land-Based Coral Facility team at The Rosenstiel School on Virginia Key, FL. This position supports reef research and restoration conducted by the Coral Reef Futures Lab. Specifically, the coral recruit technician carries out the sexual propagation and subsequent care of Caribbean coral juveniles within the lab’s aquaculture facility and research spaces. This is a key period in coral development during which the employee’s attention to detail, drive, and determination contribute directly to the production and survival of coral recruits.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, environmental science, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• U.S. citizenship, or valid U.S. work authorization.
• Knowledge of coral biology, aquaculture, marine science, and/or related fields.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with team members, researchers, and members of the public.
• Accountability and attention to detail, particularly when working with living organisms and time-sensitive husbandry needs.
• Ability to troubleshoot and communicate or delegate tasks effectively.
• Ability to work for several hours a day in outdoor shadehouse facilities in South Florida, which can be particularly warm and humid during the summer.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with coral spawning and rearing sexually derived coral recruits
• Experience with saltwater aquaria, coral husbandry, life support systems, and/or water quality
• AAUS Scientific Diving certification
• MOCC Boating certification

Responsibilities

• Assist with the production, rearing, and outplanting of sexually derived coral recruits
• Perform daily husbandry and maintain aquarium systems.
• Monitor coral health to identify and address issues as they arise.
• Coordinate daily and weekly husbandry activities, including developing and assigning tasks to student volunteers.
• Must adhere to and instruct based on standard operating procedures for coral systems.
• Assist with the diagnosis and resolution of plumbing, electrical, and other operational issues associated with aquarium systems.
• Coordinate with graduate students and other staff in the Coral Reef Futures Lab to support ongoing research efforts.
• Respond as a team member to system equipment failures in an on-call capacity, with the ability to think critically to diagnose and resolve issues in coordination with other team members.
• Participate in evening and nighttime coral spawning, fertilization, and larval care activities, with occasional work schedule changes to work on weekends or public holidays to accommodate these activities during the spawning season.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level