Postdoctoral Associate - Coral Reef Futures Lab

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The Coral Reef Futures Lab (PI: Andrew Baker) at the University of Miami’s Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric and Earth Science seeks a highly motivated Postdoctoral Associate to join our coral biology and restoration research program. This position will focus on advancing research in Caribbean coral reproduction, larval ecology, and early life history, with a particular emphasis on scaling propagation and out planting outcomes using our land-based coral facility. 

Position Overview

The successful candidate will help lead research on coral spawning, fertilization, larval development, settlement, and/or post-settlement survival, while directly contributing to broader restoration initiatives. This role emphasizes scientific leadership, experimental design, and mentorship, with opportunities to integrate new science into applied restoration efforts, with the potential for significant career advancement. 

Current active areas of research and implementation in the lab include:

• Assisted gene flow of Caribbean corals via international breeding efforts around the region, with the goal of increasing diversity, adaptive capacity, and resilience;
• Improving restoration pipelines designed to increase the scale of restoration using sexually derived recruits, including new technologies such as hydrogels, bioprinting, substrate enhancements, and anti-fouling coatings;
• Holobiome interventions to increase the resilience of coral restoration efforts, including algal symbiont provisioning and probiotics;
• The design and deployment of hybrid barrier reefs to help protect coastlines and the deployment of early-stage coral recruits to these structures. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead research projects focused on coral reproduction, larval biology, and early life history
• Design and execute experiments on spawning, fertilization success, larval performance, and settlement
• Advance methods for larval propagation and recruitment to support restoration efforts
• Mentor undergraduate and MPS students conducting independent research projects
• Contribute to and/or lead manuscript preparation, grant writing, and collaborative proposals
• Help coordinate spawning activities and nursery-based research across multiple institutional partners

We operate an active research lab and a land-based coral restoration facility that includes a molecular ecology laboratory, indoor and outdoor propagation tanks, controlled spawning tanks, cryopreservation capabilities, and an algal symbiont culture collection. The lab currently includes one assistant scientist, one postdoc, six full-time staff, six PhD students, several Master’s students and several dozen part-time undergraduate employees and volunteers. 

Qualifications

Required:

Ph.D. in marine biology, coral biology, ecology, or a related field, with experience in coral spawning, gamete handling, fertilization, and/or larval rearing. Exceptionally experienced candidates may also be eligible for hire at the Assistant Scientist level.

• At least 3–4 years of experience in coral biology or closely related research preferred
• Experience designing and implementing experimental studies
• Demonstrated record of scientific productivity (publications, technical reports, or equivalent)

Preferred:

• AAUS scientific diving certification 
• Experience working in or collaborating with land-based coral nurseries
• Experience mentoring undergraduate and/or graduate students

Desired Attributes

• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team
• Comfortable working in outdoor facilities that can be seasonally hot and humid
• Willing to work during non-traditional hours (e.g., nighttime spawning events)
• Commitment to training and supporting emerging scientists
• Interest in translating reproductive biology into applied restoration outcomes

CORE JOB SUMMARY
The Postdoctoral Associate performs scientific research and studies under the supervision of managing staff. Moreover, the Postdoctoral Associate promotes institutional recognition through literal contributions to the scientific community.

CORE JOB FUNCTIONS
1. Conducts research on specific areas of study as assigned.
2. Prepares research reports and technical papers for publishing.
3. Investigates the feasibility of applying a wide variety of scientific principles and theories.
4. Maintains substantial knowledge of state-of-the-art principles and theories.
5. Develops advanced analytical models and systems and provides solutions and analyses to support strategic and tactical decisions.
6. 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:
Doctorate 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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