Post-doc/research tech position at UVI

[Donna Nemeth]

Please reply directly to Dr. Richard Nemeth as indicated below:

Postdoctoral and Research Technician Positions Available with the
University of the Virgin Islands,
Center for Marine and Environmental Studies, St. Thomas, USVI

Project Description

The University of the Virgin Islands’ Center for Marine and
Environmental
Studies is conducting a study of grouper spawning aggregations around
the
Virgin Islands.  Spawning aggregation sites are typically located within
a
few kilometers of the southern or northern edge of the insular platform
along well-developed deep coral reefs (20 to 45 m). One aggregation site
under study has been protected from fishing for over 10 years and has
shown
dramatic improvement in the number and size of spawning red hind
(Epinephelus guttatus). A second spawning aggregation site to be
evaluated
is used by yellowfin (Mycteroperca venenosa) and possibly Nassau (E.
striatus) groupers. This site has been heavily fished but is being
considered for closure. The objectives of this research will be to: 1)
locate the primary spawning aggregation sites of several grouper species
inside and outside protected areas, 2) establish baseline breeding
population parameters (i.e. spawning density, breeding population size
structure, sex ratios), 3) document movement patterns of the breeding
population through telemetry and anchor tagging studies, 4) conduct a
tag
retention study, and 5) characterize the physical and biological
features of
primary grouper spawning habitats and other coral reef areas using video
transects and other methods.

Location: St. Thomas, USVI
Application Due: August 15, 2002
Start Date: September 1, 2002 or until filled
Duration: 18 months for post doc and 12 months for res. tech. (Both
positions may be extended depending upon the availability of funding).

Annual Compensation: Post-doc ($30,000), Research Technician ($24,000)

Qualifications
Post-doc: Completed Ph.D. in marine science or related field with a
minimum
of three years marine field research experience;
Research technician: Completed M.S. degree in marine science or related
field with a minimum of two years marine field research experience.
Both candidates must have knowledge of marine fauna and flora of the
Caribbean and experience with scientific lab and field operations.
Candidates must be certified SCUBA divers with training in research
diving
techniques; be comfortable handling boats, and have a valid drivers
license.
Candidates must have experience with tagging or telemetry studies and/or
coral reef ecology, have good writing skills and be familiar with common
word processing, spreadsheet, statistical, graphing and image analysis
programs (e.g. Word, Excel, Systat, Sigma Plot, Adobe Photoshop, Image
Pro).
Nitrox certification is required but successful candidates will be
trained
to use nitrox if not certified.

Duties
Successful candidates will work with Principal Investigators to assess
grouper spawning aggregations sites off the coast of St. Thomas USVI.
Primary responsibilities of Post-doc include supervising and working
with
research technicians during field operations and laboratory work.  Field
operations include long hours operating boats in waters 7-10 miles
off-shore, conducting visual counts of fish and benthic assessments on
SCUBA, conducting tag and release program using hook and line and fish
traps, tracking groupers using telemetry and conducting tag retention
study.
Laboratory work includes fecundity estimates using ovaries and
estimating
fish age using otoliths, data entry and analysis of statistical and
video
data and report preparation. Applicants must be willing to conduct
occasional decompression dives using nitrox at depths of 120-140 feet.

All interested applicants should send a cover letter and CV with three
references to: rnemeth at uvi.edu with JOB APPLICATION in the subject line.
Or
mail application to Richard S. Nemeth, Director, Center for Marine and
Environmental Studies, MacLean Marine Science Center, University of the
Virgin Islands, St. Thomas USVI 00802-9990.

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