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.

• 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).

• 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.