[Coral-List] Research Technician Position Available- CCMI (based in Little Cayman)- FULL POSITION & APPLICATION INFO

[Beth Chafin]

Position to start: Jan. 15, 2022
Term of employment: 18 months
Location: Little Cayman Island
Manager: Research Manager & Research Director

SUMMARY:
CCMI’s key strategic goal is to become the premiere research institution, unlocking the clues to coral reef resilience and bringing relevant science to society. Using a combination of large-scale in situ ecology surveys, small-scale laboratory experiments, and molecular ecology, we examine population structure, physiology, evolutionary biology, and restoration ecology on tropical coral reef ecosystems ranging from shallow inshore reefs to the mesophotic zone. Our upcoming projects range from understanding molecular and physiological mechanisms of adaptation by corals to extreme environments, to enhancing reef complexity using out-planting techniques to restore key ecosystem function. Both theoretical and applied, the research conducted at CCMI will advance our understanding of how coral reefs and all of the organisms that reside there will not only survive, but thrive, under future environmental conditions.
With this in mind, we seek to hire a mature, experienced research technician with experience in coral restoration, scientific diving, and data management to assist with execution of CCMI’s research programs. We seek extraordinary employees to help us bring to focus the positive changes that can occur when we reduce human impact on the planet. Through organization and execution of various aspects of the research conducted at CCMI, the Research Technician will ensure the highest standard of experimental design, in situ field work, and data acquisition, management and analysis.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Research Technician is responsible for assisting with organization and execution of field and laboratory-based research and ensuring that all data are appropriately stored and analyzed. They provide support to the Research Manager and Research Director to help coordinate the day-to-day operation of research at CCMI, particularly coral restoration, manage laboratory facilities, and oversee data management. Main job responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Assist with coordination of field and laboratory-based research operations including:
o Maintenance and upkeep of the coral nursery
o Restoration activities, such as coral outplanting
o Sample collection, preparation, and preservation
o Conducting thermotolerance experiments
o Monitoring reef health for a variety of studies, including frequent surveys of fish and coral abundance and diversity
• Assist with experimental design and data entry/storage
• Coordinate sample preparation and shipment to collaborators
• Manage databases for multiple projects.
• Conduct data analysis and create publication quality figures.
• Prepare project reports for sponsors and granting agencies.
• Assist with writing of scientific publications and grant proposals.
• Any other duties as required for successful execution of research.
• Assist with education programmes as requested by supervisor.
• Prepare program content and feedback for the advancement team for communications, sponsors/stakeholders, including content for social media, website, newsletters and the press
• Participate and assist with execution of local outreach events.

REQUIREMENTS:
• BSc in Marine Science or related field
• Minimum 3 years of post-graduate experience OR Master’s degree + 1 year experience in marine science, preferably in coral restoration
• Experience conducting and coordinating underwater field research
• Minimum dive certification level of Advanced Open Water, AAUS scientific diver certification preferred
• Experience handling and maintaining scientific samples and equipment
• Experience with grant writing, budget tracking, and data management
• Excellent data analysis skills, including coding (R preferred)
• Excellent organizational, communication, and team building skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and open to direction in a collaborative working environment
• Willingness to work odd hours when required to deliver a program
• Willing to reside on Little Cayman

OFFICE GUIDELINES
Work week: 5 days
Location: Little Cayman Island
SALARY AND BENEFITS
Annual salary of US$35,000 - $40,000 dependent on experience + benefits including paid vacation and contributions to health insurance and pension
TO APPLY: please send a cover letter, CV, and 1 letter of reference as a single PDF to jobs at reefresearch.org.


Beth Chafin

Science Communications & Development Manager

Central Caribbean Marine Institute (CCMI)

Cayman Islands