[Coral-List] Job Posting for Research Assistant or Associate in Coral Restoration at Qatar University (2 positions)

[Pedro Alexandre Garcia Range]

Dear Coral-list members,

The Environmental Science Center (https://esc.qu.edu.qa/research/esc/) at Qatar University is seeking highly motivated candidates with a background in at least one of the following topics:
•	Coral reef ecology and restoration
•	Ex-situ coral husbandry
Hiring will be at the level of Research Assistant or Research Associate (depending on qualifications and experience), in the framework of a 5-year, industry-funded project.

Project Synopsis:
Coral reefs are the most diverse, complex and productive marine ecosystems in the Arabian Gulf. However, they are being lost at such an alarming rate that several coral species are now threatened with regional extinction. A vast array of restoration strategies is currently available to facilitate the recovery of coral reefs. There is, however, a clear need to validate and adapt restoration protocols and guidelines to local species and environmental conditions, under a context of increasing climatic change and industrial development. In this project, we will make use of coral colonies that will be removed from an area to be impacted by subsea construction to test some of these active restoration techniques, including: transplantation of adult and juvenile colonies, rearing of coral fragments in a land-based nursery and reintroduction (outplanting) to natural and artificial reefs. Although these methods are routinely used in many parts of the world, past efforts in the Arabian Gulf are scarce and poorly documented. Accordingly, the results of this project will constitute a significant advancement to the development and validation of restoration technologies to support the recovery process of damaged coral reefs in the Arabian Gulf, with possible applications to damages caused by industrial activities.

Duties & Responsibilities
The scientific work will include participation in the following tasks, scheduled in the research plan to be implemented by the ESC and collaborators:
1.	Planning and participation in field surveys of coral habitats, including the identification of reef-associated organisms
2.	Setup and maintenance of aquarium systems for rearing of adult coral colonies and fragments
3.	Outplanting and monitoring of nursery-reared coral seedlings in natural restoration sites and artificial reef units
4.	Collaborating with external partners for the execution of collaborative research tasks
5.	Contribute to project management activities, such as progress reports and dissemination activities.
6.	Contribute to the publication of research results in peer-reviewed journals

Qualifications Required
1.	MSc (or BSc with relevant experience) in Marine ecology, marine biology or related field from a recognized and accredited University.
2.	Internationally recognized diving certification
3.	A record of relevant research experience backed by research publications
4.	Fluency in English language 
5.	Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural environment.

Desirable qualifications
1.	Additional research experience in one or more of the following topics: Coral propagation (sexual /asexual), set-up and maintenance of marine invertebrates in organisms in aquarium or RAS aquaculture systems, coral reef monitoring, deployment and monitoring of artificial reefs.
2.	Meet the academic requirements for the Doctoral program in Biological and Environmental Sciences at Qatar University (http://www.qu.edu.qa/students/programs/graduate-programs)
3.	Boat Handling Experience

Salary and Benefits
1.	One-year renewable contract (up to 5 years).
2.	Highly competitive and Tax-free salary.
3.	Housing and transport allowances in accordance with QU HR policies.
4.	Annual round trip air tickets, in accordance with QU HR policies.
5.	Private health insurance in accordance with QU HR policies.
6.	Annual leave of 35 days.

Documents required to Apply
(i)	Detailed Curriculum Vitae, including a list of research experience
(ii)	Copy of the diploma or transcript for their highest academic qualifications
(iii)	Copy of passport
(iv)	Motivation letter addressing the requirements
(v)	Contacts of 3 references (including previous supervisor or employer)

The deadline for submission is 10 January 2021 or until filled.
Start of the contract is March 2021 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Contact persons: Dr. Jassim Al-Khayat (jalkhayat at qu.edu.qa), Dr. Bruno Giraldes (bweltergiraldes at qu.edu.qa) and Dr. Pedro Range (prange at qu.edu.qa)

--
Pedro Range (PhD)
Research Assistant Professor
Environmental Science Center
Qatar University
P.O. Box: 2713, Doha - Qatar
🏠  H10-Zone3-B124
☎ 00974-44035968
📧 prange at qu.edu.qa