Research Associate I

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The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science invites applications for multiple full-time Research Associate I affiliates to work on two Deepwater Horizon (DWH) projects: Lower Trophic Level Monitoring for Barataria Basin and Monitoring the Effects of Coastal Wetland Restoration on Fish and Invertebrates. We seek several individuals to join the Population and Ecosystem Monitoring Division's Habitat Ecology Branch (HEB) and assist with estuarine fieldwork and sample processing at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) Southeast Fisheries Science Center Galveston Laboratory (SEFSC-Galveston) located in Galveston, TX.

The incumbents will work with HEB senior scientists to conduct two large-scale DWH Monitoring and Adaptive Management (MAM) projects focused on lower trophic level and nekton baseline assessments relevant to restoration activities in Louisiana estuaries. Applicants should possess a solid foundation in coastal ecology and basic experience working with quantitative sampling gear (e.g., drop samplers, throw traps, benthic cores, quadrats), small boats, laboratory equipment such as microscopes and balances, as well as experience identifying marine organisms. The successful applicants will participate in quarterly field sampling trips, maintain field and laboratory equipment and supplies, assist with field trip preparation, identify nekton and benthic infauna in the laboratory, enter research data into computer databases, and complete data QA/QC procedures.

Location: Galveston, TX; quarterly travel is required.

Essential job functions include:

Work as part of a large team including NMFS biologists as well as internal and externalcollaborators

Perform intensive field work and travel to coastal areas of Louisiana for up to 16 days perquarter

Conduct quantitative sampling of nekton and benthic communities in estuarine habitats incoastal bay systems using drop samplers, throw traps, and sediment cores

Sort and identify preserved nekton and benthic organisms from field samples

Use instrumentation in the field and in the laboratory to measure environmental variablesincluding salinity, water temperature, dissolved oxygen, pH, and turbidity

Enter research data into approved databases and complete QA/QC protocols on data files

Operate and maintain field and laboratory equipment including laboratory vehicles, smallboats and motors, trailers, pumps, water quality instrumentation, computers, GPS units,laboratory chemicals, storage areas, microscopes, and designated work spaces

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree in marine biology, ecology, aquatic science, fishery science, or arelated field

Experience sampling aquatic organisms in coastal environments

Knowledge of freshwater, brackish, and marine organisms including nekton and benthicinfauna found in coastal areas of the northern Gulf of Mexico preferred

Experience in the use of taxonomic keys and microscopes to identify aquatic nekton andbenthic organisms

Proficient with database and word processing software packages including MicrosoftAccess, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Earth, Gmail, and Google Docs

Self-motivated, demonstrated ability to work independently, strong task and timemanagement skills

Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing

Basic experience operating small boats and trailers

Ability to work well in a team aboard small boats while conducting field work

Possess problem solving and critical thinking skills, detail oriented

Willingness to travel on a quarterly basis to remote areas for extended periods of time

Ability to conduct work on uneven terrain and able to lift a minimum of 50 pounds

Apply online at: www.miami.edu/careers. A current curriculum vitae, cover letter, and the names of three references are required with application.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Females/Minorities/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities are encouraged to apply. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff

Pay Grade:

A6