Research Associate I

University of Miami • Miami, FL

23h • Onsite

About The Position

The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Sciences invites applications for a full-time Research Associate I to work on two Deepwater Horizon (DWH) projects: Lower Trophic Level Monitoring for Barataria Basin and Monitoring the Effects of Coastal Wetland Restoration on Fish and Invertebrates. We seek an individual to join the Population and Ecosystem Monitoring Division’s Habitat Ecology Branch (HEB) and assist with estuarine fieldwork and sample processing at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory (SEFSC-Galveston) located in Galveston, TX. The incumbent will work with HEB senior scientists to conduct two large-scale DWH Monitoring and Adaptive Management (MAM) projects focused on lower trophic level and nekton baseline assessments relevant to restoration activities in Louisiana estuaries. Applicants should possess a solid foundation in coastal ecology and basic experience working with quantitative sampling gear (e.g., drop samplers, throw traps, benthic cores, quadrats), small boats, laboratory equipment such as microscopes and balances, as well as experience identifying marine organisms. The successful applicant will participate in quarterly field sampling trips, maintain field and laboratory equipment and supplies, assist with field trip preparation, identify nekton and benthic infauna in the laboratory, enter research data into computer databases, and complete data QA/QC procedures. Location: Galveston, TX; quarterly travel is required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in marine biology, ecology, aquatic science, fishery science, or related field
• Experience sampling aquatic organisms in coastal environments
• Knowledge of freshwater, brackish, and marine organisms including nekton and benthic infauna found in coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico preferred
• Experience in the use of taxonomic keys and microscopes to identify aquatic nekton andbenthic organisms
• Proficient with database and word processing software packages including MicrosoftAccess, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Earth, Gmail, and Google Docs
• Self-motivated, demonstrated ability to work independently, strong task and timemanagement skills
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing
• Basic experience operating small boats and trailers
• Ability to work well in a team aboard small boats while conducting field work
• Possess problem solving and critical thinking skills, detail oriented
• Willingness to travel on a quarterly basis to remote areas for extended periods of time
• Ability to conduct work on uneven terrain and able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Responsibilities

• Work as part of a large team including NMFS biologists as well as internal and external collaborators
• Perform intensive field work and travel to coastal areas of Louisiana for up to 16 days per quarter
• Conduct quantitative sampling of nekton and benthic communities in estuarine habitats in coastal bay systems using drop samplers, throw traps, and sediment cores
• Sort and identify preserved nekton and benthic organisms from field samples
• Use instrumentation in the field and in the laboratory to measure environmental variables including salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity
• Enter research data into approved databases and complete QA/QC protocols on data files
• Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment including laboratory vehicles, smallboats and motors, trailers, pumps, water quality instrumentation, computers, GPS units, laboratory chemicals, storage areas, microscopes, and designated work spaces

What This Job Offers

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