Location: Mote Marine Laboratory – Elizabeth Moore International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3), Summerland Key, Florida
Primary Function: The Coral Resilience Postdoctoral Researcher will primarily be responsible for overseeing the integration of resilience into Mote’s coral restoration pipeline, including conducting research on resilient traits, potential tradeoffs, and managing the thoughtful implementation of resilient traits into restoration practices.
Primary Duties:
- Assist in managing Mote’s coral resilience research efforts, specifically focused on quantifying heat tolerance, resilience to ocean acidification and resistance to disease of Mote’s restoration corals.
- Mentor Staff Biologist(s) on-site conducting day-to-day resilience research activities within Mote’s
- Climate and Ocean Acidification Simulator system.
- Be a leader in Mote’s coral research efforts by providing guidance, perspective and initiative for transformative research applications to keep Mote within the forefront of coral reef research and restoration science
- Oversee Mote’s coral resilience testing activities at IC2R3 and communicate findings to Mote’s coral restoration programs to facilitate the integration of knowledge
- Represent Mote’s Coral Health and Disease Program within workshops, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
- Oversee data management of the coral resilience research deliverables and additional related research projects within the scope of funded grants
- Conduct data analyses, create reports and publish peer-reviewed articles on Mote’s coral resilience science
- Lead efforts to collate and manage phenotypic data into Mote’s trait database
- Liaise with partners and local managers associated with integrating resilience within coral restoration including, but not limited to, the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary and Florida Fish and Wildlife.
- Write grants for additional financial support that further Mote’s coral reef research efforts
Additional duties, as assigned, related to the daily operation of a full-service marine laboratory, including outreach and education activities as needed.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:
- PhD degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university. Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license.
- Ability to obtain AAUS dive certification
- Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Experience with conducting ‘resiliency’ research on Caribbean corals.
- Some experience in coral restoration activities a benefit, but not required
- Experience in quantifying coral physiological traits
- Ability to conduct extensive statistical applications to large data sets
- Strong independent writing skills
- Publication history appropriate for Postdoctoral Scientist level position.
- Ability to secure funding through competitive grants or philanthropic sources
- Ability to identify Florida stony corals.
- Ability to work outdoors, for long hours, in a tropical climate.
- Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required.
- Normal hours are 8-hour workdays M-F; however, weekend and evening hours may be required at times.
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5 pm November 16, 2020, to HumanResources(at)mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236. Anticipated start date: January 2021
