[Coral-List] Job opportunity with Mote Marine Laboratory - Staff Biologist/Lab Manager Grazers - Summerland Key, FL (USA)

[Jason Spadaro]

Staff Biologist/Laboratory Manger – Grazers

This job is stationed at the Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration (IC2R3), in Summerland Key, Florida.

Primary Functions: The purpose of this position is to support the execution of production, research, and restoration operations focused on invertebrate grazers for coral reef restoration in close coordination with the Coral Reef Restoration Research Program Manager. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and coordinating laboratory and field research operations to meet and exceed funded project and programmatic deliverables. The incumbent will be responsible for leading and supervising a team of staff, interns, and volunteers to organize, execute, and present the program’s research on whole ecosystem restoration, specifically the integration of invertebrate grazers into coral reef restoration efforts. Frequent travel to research sites in the Florida Keys and periodic travel to sites throughout the Wider Caribbean Region may be necessary to support research and restoration objectives. Duties will include assisting with the preparation of reports, collection, entry, management, and analysis of quantitative and observational data. Incumbent will be responsible for participating in the preparation of manuscripts for submission to peer-reviewed scientific journals.

 

Primary Duties:

Periodic collection and transport of grazers and algae to/from Mote’s grazers hatchery facility at Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) in Sarasota, FL
Supervise and manage laboratory and field-based operations including experimental and observational studies
Supervise and manage a diverse and dynamic team of staff, interns, and volunteers to execute demanding funded project deliverables and programmatic research and restoration objectives
Lead the collection, entry, management, and analysis of quantitative and qualitative data
Lead and assist with literature reviews, grant proposal development, and the preparation of reports and manuscripts
Some travel to production, research, and field sites in Florida and the Wider Caribbean Region may be required
Prepare weekly updates on field and laboratory operations for team meetings; maintain close communication with program manager and team staff in other locations
 

Additional duties will include assisting with various tasks related to the daily operation of a full-service aquaculture station and assisting with outreach and education activities as needed.

 

Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:

Master of Science degree in marine science, aquaculture, biological sciences, ecological sciences, or related field from an accredited college or university
Minimum SCUBA certification of Rescue Diver (Dive Master or higher preferred)
Ability to meet and maintain AAUS Scientific Diver standards, including medical requirements
Valid license to drive in the State of Florida (CDL preferred)
Lift heavy objects up to 70 lbs required
Participate in heavy physical exertion while swimming or diving or hauling gear required
Proficiency with common data management and word processing software (Microsoft Excel/Word) required
Previous field and laboratory research experience required
Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of the team, be self-motivated, work efficiently and productively with minimal supervision while completing assigned tasks on time required
Normal working hours are 8:00 am – 5:00pm M-F; however, weekend, evening, and holiday hours will be required at times to support research and restoration objectives
 

Desired Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Previous research diving experience and current/active AAUS Scientific Diver rating strongly preferred
USCG Captain’s license (or ability to earn within 6 months of hire) strongly preferred
Previous experience with operating and trailering small research vessels (up to 35’ LOA) within the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary strongly preferred
Strong background in experimental design, data management, statistical analyses, and report writing strongly preferred
Previous experience with managing multiple simultaneous laboratory and field projects and associated deliverables preferred
 

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2023 Staff Biologist - Grazers”  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 July 14, 2023.

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.


Jason Spadaro, PhD
__________________
Staff Scientist - Program Manager
Coral Reef Restoration Research Program
Mote Marine Laboratory
24244 Overseas Highway
Summerland Key, FL 33042
(305) 745-2729
jspadaro at mote.org