Restoration R&D Scientist Lead, Coral Gardeners

Description

Coral Gardeners is hiring a Restoration R&D Scientist Lead based in Mo’orea, French Polynesia, to support the implementation and advancement of restoration research and development activities, with a strong focus on field-based experimentation and applied science.

Coral Gardeners is a coral restoration organization that develops, tests, and scales methodologies to restore reefs across multiple sites in French Polynesia and beyond. The Restoration R&D function sits at the intersection of applied science, in-water experimentation, and operational delivery.

The role works under the scientific guidance of the Director of Restoration Science R&D and in close operational coordination with the COO. It is hands-on, designed for a high-potential scientific profile able to translate priorities into robust field execution while progressively building toward leading experimental workstreams over time.

Responsibilities

• Support implementation of Coral Gardeners’ restoration R&D priorities through field-based experimentation and applied scientific work.
• Contribute to the design, execution, and follow-up of experiments related to coral restoration methods, tools, materials, and workflows.
• Translate scientific objectives into practical field trials under the guidance of the Director of Restoration Science R&D, the Standardisation and Quality Lead, and the COO.
• Coordinate and participate in field trials across Coral Gardeners locations, ensuring scientific protocols are applied consistently and data is collected accurately.
• Work with CG Labs, Restoration Managers, and the Standardisation and Quality Lead team to test and refine restoration approaches that are practical, scalable, and aligned with operational standards.
• Collect, organise, maintain, and quality-check experimental and monitoring data to support reliable analysis and decision-making.
• Contribute to analysis and interpretation of field results and formulate clear technical recommendations.
• Document methodologies, protocols, findings, and lessons learned from experimental activities.
• Align experimental execution with field realities, operational priorities, and restoration constraints.
• Provide regular updates and structured feedback to scientific and restoration leadership.
• Monitor scientific literature, tools, and innovations in coral restoration.
• Coordinate with external scientific and technical partners as needed.
• Contribute to project planning, logistics, and operational preparation for experimental activities.
• Share findings and practical insights with internal teams to strengthen knowledge transfer.
• Progressively take ownership of specific experimental workstreams and demonstrate readiness for increased responsibilities.

Requirements

• Strong scientific rigor and attention to detail.
• Hands-on mindset and willingness to spend significant time in the field.
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage experimental follow-up reliably.
• Ability to work effectively across scientific and operational teams.
• Good analytical skills, with the ability to turn data and observations into clear, actionable insights.
• Clear communication skills, especially in translating technical findings into practical recommendations.
• Proactive, adaptable, and solution-oriented.
• Strong interest in coral conservation, restoration, and innovation aligned with Coral Gardeners’ mission.
• Demonstrated potential to grow into a leadership role.
• Working dive experience in tropical and temperate marine systems.
• Experience deploying instruments and building experimental infrastructure.
• Experience working in water for extended periods.
• Extensive boat driving experience.
• Experience trailering and launching boats.
• Knowledge of and experience with boat mechanics and maintenance.
• Experience with excursion planning, execution, and reporting.
• Experimental design experience and statistical analysis skills.

Additional Notes

• Full-time, based in French Polynesia.
• Department: Operations.

How to Apply

Apply through the Coral Gardeners Factorial HR portal.