Research Associate II

University of Miami • Miami, FL

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) of the University of Miami invites applications for a Research Associate II position in support of the Physical Oceanography Division (PhOD) at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). The position is concerned with observational studies designed to improve our understanding of interannual to multidecadal ocean variability and its influence on climate. The position will involve close collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technicians at Rosenstiel School and AOML.

The position will provide direct, hands-on technical support by troubleshooting, repairing, and assembling electromechanical systems and electronics, particularly while preparing for and executing field campaigns. This role involves general electronics and mechanical maintenance, basic fabrication, and executing the physical staging of equipment. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting operational logistics for maritime deployments. A critical responsibility of this role includes collecting observational data during long-duration international research cruises. This position also requires flexibility to occasionally support operations during unusual schedules as needed.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field.
• 2 years of related experience.
• Demonstrated experience in electromechanical assembly & maintenance.
• General technical skills for repairing, troubleshooting, and assembling electromechanical systems and electronics.
• Skillful in using a variety of tools and fabrication devices such as drills, saws, and other hand and power tools to create and modify field hardware.
• Basic knowledge or experience with general electronics and software troubleshooting utilizing standard bench instruments like multimeters, power supplies, etc.
• Practical assembly skills such as soldering and wiring.
• General computer proficiency across Windows and Linux environments.
• Familiarity with programming languages and basic software development.
• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork both on land and at sea.
• Required to support project logistics, including driving pickup and box trucks to and from ports to transport equipment.
• A valid Florida driver's license is required.
• Willing and physically able to spend up to 120 cumulative days per year at sea on oceanographic research vessels and merchant ships assisting in collecting scientific data.
• Must be able to lift and move items of up to 60 lbs.
• Must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

Nice To Haves

• Previous knowledge and experience with oceanographic instrumentation including CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth), moorings, autonomous underwater vehicles, etc.
• Experience with 3D printers.
• Previous experience in SCUBA diving.
• Basic proficiency in Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshooting, repairing, and assembling electromechanical systems and electronics.
• General electronics and mechanical maintenance.
• Basic fabrication and executing the physical staging of equipment.
• Supporting operational logistics for maritime deployments.
• Collecting observational data during long-duration international research cruises.
• Occasionally supporting operations during unusual schedules.
• Loading, unloading, and setting up equipment platforms on research and merchant vessels.
• Supporting project logistics, including driving pickup and box trucks to and from ports to transport equipment.
• Collecting high-quality scientific data aboard merchant and research vessels on deployments that can last up to 60 continuous days.

What This Job Offers

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