Researcher II

Cherokee Federal•Saint Petersburg, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Join our team as a Researcher supporting benthic ecology studies in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean, and southeastern U.S. This role involves field and laboratory research on marine ecosystems, contributing vital data for natural resource management and conservation planning. A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in biological, ecological, or marine sciences (or equivalent experience).
6–12 months of experience in field and lab research, including sample collection and database interaction.
Ability to identify benthic infauna (at least to phyla level).
Experience with image annotation, sediment/fauna analysis, and use of microscopes.
Proficiency with MS Office Suite; familiarity with ArcGIS and R a plus.
Valid driver’s license; ability to lift up to 50 lbs and perform physically demanding fieldwork, including extended ocean cruises.
Current First Aid and CPR certification (or ability to obtain).
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.
U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with ArcGIS and R

Responsibilities

Support fieldwork: deploy sampling gear, collect sediment, water, and tissue samples, and assist in oceanographic surveys.
Conduct laboratory analyses: process sediment samples, identify marine invertebrates, and prepare materials for isotope and genetic testing.
Maintain and monitor saltwater aquaria systems housing corals, fishes, and associated fauna.
Manage, enter, proof, and summarize field and lab data; create tables, graphs, and reports.
Assist in equipment preparation, calibration, maintenance, and documentation.
Contribute to scientific reports, literature reviews, and manuscript preparation.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned