Sr. Research Associate Coral Reproduction

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The Coral Reef Futures Lab at the Rosenstiel School of Marine Atmospheric and Earth Science at the University of Miami is a leading research group focused on coral reef science and restoration. We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Research Associate to lead coral reproduction activities within a growing land-based coral facility and to support a dynamic portfolio of research and restoration projects. This role combines scientific leadership experimental design and program management with direct responsibility for staff supervision and mentorship across multiple ongoing initiatives in coral reproduction and early life history.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead coral spawning and reproduction efforts at the labs land-based facility including coordination of spawning events fertilization larval rearing settlement and postsettlement survival.
• Coordinate spawning and reproduction activities with multiple institutional partners and collaborators.
• Directly manage at least two Research Associates including daytoday oversight training and performance support.
• Work closely with graduate students postdocs and other team members on experimental design data collection and analysis related to coral reproduction larval biology and early life history.
• Advance and refine methods for larval propagation recruitment and juvenile propagation to support scalable coral restoration outcomes.
• Mentor undergraduate and Master of Professional Science (MPS) students conducting independent research projects within the lab.
• Contribute to and for senior hires potentially lead manuscript preparation grant writing and collaborative proposals that support the labs research and restoration portfolio.
• Help maintain and optimize the labs facilities and infrastructure including indoor and outdoor propagation tanks controlled spawning systems and associated experimental setups.
• Support safe and effective field and facility operations including participation in nighttime spawning events and work in outdoor environments that can be seasonally hot and humid.

Required

• Masters degree in marine biology marine ecology coral biology or a closely related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in coral biology or closely related research with significant handson experience in coral reproduction or larval propagation.
• Demonstrated experience designing and implementing experimental studies including data collection analysis and interpretation.
• Prior experience managing personnel or supervising research staff with strong organizational and team management skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to work effectively with staff students and external partners.
• Documented record of scientific productivity (peerreviewed publications technical reports or equivalent).

Preferred

• AAUS scientific diving certification.
• Ph.D. degree in coral biology or a related field.
• Experience working in or collaborating with landbased coral nurseries or restoration facilities.
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students.

• Strong organizational communication and leadership skills with the ability to coordinate multiple projects and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team of scientists students and restoration practitioners.
• Comfort working in outdoor facilities and at nontraditional hours including nighttime spawning events when required.
• Commitment to training and supporting emerging scientists and earlycareer team members.
• Interest in translating reproductive biology and early life history research into applied restoration solutions at scale.

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Senior Research Associate 1 MAS provides laboratory-based support for the Universitys research activities by tackling the more specialized and complex projects and experiments. Additionally the incumbent leverages his/her expertise in training and mentoring department staff students and less experienced research associates.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Collects analyzes and presents research data.
2. Monitors and maintains relevant research databases to ensure accurate data entries.
3. Understands and interprets research protocols and procedures.
4. Participates in the publication of significant results to include authorship of scientific monographs.
5. Advances expertise through continued education training and research.
6. Maintains current knowledge of relevant developments in the field.
7. Ensures all research is undertaken according to good research practice.
8. Warrants that department activities comply with applicable guidelines and regulations.
9. Adheres to University and unit-level policies and procedures and safeguards University assets.

This list of duties and responsibilities is not intended to be all-inclusive and may be expanded to include other duties or responsibilities as necessary.

CORE QUALIFICATIONS
Education:
Masters degree in relevant field required

Experience:
No previous experience required

Certification and Licensing:
Refer to department description for applicable certification requirements

Knowledge Skills and Abilities:

• Learning Agility: Ability to learn new procedures technologies and protocols and adapt to changing priorities and work demands.
• Teamwork: Ability to work collaboratively with others and contribute to a team environment.
• Technical Proficiency: Skilled in using office software technology and relevant computer applications.
• Communication: Strong and clear written and verbal communication skills for interacting with colleagues and stakeholders.

This is a core job profile description and is not reflective of all duties that may be assigned to a specific position in each individual department. The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and primary responsibilities of this core job profile. Specific duties and tasks may vary based upon departmental needs. Other duties may be assigned to the above consistent with the knowledge skills and abilities required for the job.

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