Coral Resilience Research Scientist

Primary Function:  The Coral Resilience Research Scientist will primarily be responsible for implementing several projects related to understanding and promoting heat tolerance and/or disease resistance within stony corals used for coral restoration with a particular focus on Caribbean acroporid coral species. These tasks will also include overseeing the integration of resilience into Mote’s coral restoration pipeline, including manipulative experimentation, documenting potential tradeoffs, and advising on the science-based implementation of resilient traits into restoration practices.

Position: Coral Resilience Research Scientist (Postdoctorate level or similar)*
Program: Coral Health and Disease Program
Supervisor: Drs. Erinn Muller & Sara Williams
Location: Mote Marine Laboratory, Sarasota, FL
Employment Status: Full-time (including benefits).

Primary Function:  The Coral Resilience Research Scientist will primarily be responsible for implementing several projects related to understanding and promoting heat tolerance and/or disease resistance within stony corals used for coral restoration with a particular focus on Caribbean acroporid coral species. These tasks will also include overseeing the integration of resilience into Mote’s coral restoration pipeline, including manipulative experimentation, documenting potential tradeoffs, and advising on the science-based implementation of resilient traits into restoration practices.

*This is a two-year position that will not extend beyond current funding allocations 

Primary Duties:

• Utilize historical restoration monitoring data and analyze samples collected in 2023 to understand differential bleaching susceptibility and survival of outplanted Acroporids
• Characterize and explore abilities to manipulate and retain targeted algal symbiont communities within acroporid corals to promote greater heat tolerance and document potential tradeoffs and limitations
• Help to manage several funded projects being conducted by Mote’s sexual reproduction managed breeding program
• Manage the acquisition of new coral genotypes for gene banking, organize coral swaps, to ensure the preservation of high valued species and coral genets
• Assist with projects studying the physiology of corals created through assisted gene flow
• Conduct experiments to determine heritability of identified traits such as heat tolerance and/or disease resistance
• Mentor Staff Biologist(s) and/or undergraduate/graduate interns conducting day-to-day resilience research activities
• Be a leader in Mote’s coral research efforts by providing guidance, perspective and initiative for transformative research applications to keep Mote within the forefront of coral reef research and restoration science
• Represent Mote’s Coral Health and Disease Program within workshops, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
• Oversee data management of the coral resilience research deliverables and additional related research projects within the scope of funded grants
• Conduct data analyses, create reports, and publish peer-reviewed articles on specific projects focused on Mote’s coral resilience science
• Liaise with partners and local managers associated with integrating resilience within coral restoration including, but not limited to, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
• This position will require frequent trips to Mote’s International Center for Coral Research and Restoration on Summerland Key, Florida (travel expenses covered)
• Additional duties, as assigned, related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, including facilitating tours, and conducting outreach and education activities as needed.

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

• D. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university or a Master’s degree with 4 additional years of relevant experience
• Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license.
• Ability to obtain AAUS dive certification
• Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of the team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.

Recommended or Beneficial Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Experience with conducting lab-based experiments on stony corals
• Familiarity of coral restoration activities
• Experience in algal symbiont characterization or manipulations
• Experience with sexual propagation of corals
• Ability to conduct extensive statistical applications to large data sets
• Strong independent writing skills
• Publication history appropriate for Postdoctoral Scientist level position.
• Ability to identify Florida stony corals.
• Ability to work outdoors, for long hours, in tropical climate.
• Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required.
• Normal hours are 8 hour work days M-F; however, weekend and evening hours may be required at times.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Coral Resilience Research Scientist”  at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm September 30, 2024

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.

Two years of funding at an annual salary of $60,000 is secured.

Anticipated start date: January 2025