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 lab’s land-based facility, including coordination of spawning events, fertilization, larval rearing, settlement, and post‑settlement survival.
• Coordinate spawning and reproduction activities with multiple institutional partners and collaborators.
• Directly manage at least two Research Associates, including day‑to‑day 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 lab’s research and restoration portfolio.
• Help maintain and optimize the lab’s 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

• Master’s 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 hands‑on 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 (peer‑reviewed 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 land‑based 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 non‑traditional hours, including nighttime spawning events when required.
• Commitment to training and supporting emerging scientists and early‑career 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 University’s 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:
Master's 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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