Mote Marine Laboratory is an Equal Opportunity Employer and actively seeks to diversify its work force. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin, disability or protected veteran status.
Openings
- Postdoctoral Research Fellowship
- Postdoctoral Associate Molecular Toxicology
- Aquarium Services Technician
- Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician – Florida Keys
Postdoctoral Research Fellowships
Mote Marine Laboratory (Mote), an independent nonprofit institution established in 1955, has recently adopted a 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan that includes as one of Mote’s four core priorities, “Ensure the long-term prosperity of the research enterprise through focused staff recruitment and nurturing programs.” In order to address this specific priority, a new Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program began in 2011.
Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. The deadline for applying is COB Thursday, August 31, 2017. Review of applications may begin August and finalists will be announced soon thereafter.
The Two-Year Fellowship
This Fellowship will be awarded in 2017, start in 2018, and last for two years assuming appropriate first-year progress. An earlier start date is possible. The full-time position includes an annual salary of $47,800. Partially-subsidized health insurance is also provided for the Fellow, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Fellow will receive office/laboratory space and funds for startup, operations, publication costs, and travel.
Applications are invited for any field of marine research in the natural sciences. Competitive applications will focus on research programs that are relevant to conservation and the sustainable uses of marine biodiversity, healthy habitats, and natural resources; will bring or propose new multi-investigator/institutional collaborations to Mote, and will be cognizant of global issues.
For a complete description of Mote's Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program and 2017-18 Fellowship application instructions, see Program Overview.
Postdoctoral Associate Molecular Toxicology
Mote Marine Laboratory is currently looking to fill a Postdoctoral Associate position in Molecular Toxicology to examine the effects of organic contaminant exposures by identifying patterns of toxicant-induced biological response in order to characterize toxicity/disease pathways. Research will include characterizing molecular interactions and cellular, organism and population level responses to organic contaminants for the development of markers designed to define mechanisms of toxicity either directly on nucleic acids or indirectly through non-genotoxic mechanisms for developing predictive toxicity assessments and establishing adverse outcome pathways from contaminant exposure. The candidate should have a Ph.D. degree in molecular biology, toxicology or related field granted within the past 5 years.
This position includes laboratory-based work (at the bench) as well as supervision and training of technical staff as necessary. The research to be carried out will utilize a combination of molecular biology and bioinformatics approaches to characterize the consequence of toxicant exposure. The postdoctoral associate will participate in the design and execution of studies in laboratory and field settings within the Mote Environmental Laboratory for Forensics; assist in the development of research grant applications and the planning of field and/or laboratory work and perform critical analyses of literature relevant to research undertaken.
Research duties include but are not limited to, development of analytical methods, designing, performing, documenting and reporting the results of a variety of molecular biological procedures including PCR and real-time PCR assays, ELISAs, DNA, RNA and protein extraction, gel electrophoresis, analysis of DNA methylation, interpretation of gene expression (RNAseq) datasets, performing molecular diagnostic procedures on a variety wildlife samples both field collected and from controlled exposure studies. The postdoctoral associate will process, analyze and interpret research data and communicate results to the Principal Investigator and research group; write research progress reports and assist with the preparation of research manuscripts for publication and presentation at conferences and workshops; maintain quality lab environment including cleanup and organization. The postdoctoral candidate will be expected to write research grants for potential future funding.
The position will be based at Mote Marine Laboratory, Environmental Laboratory for Forensics Program, Sarasota, FL. The position offers competitive salary and benefits. The appointment is for 18 months, pending satisfactory performance. Exemplary postdoctoral associates may be invited to join Mote as Staff Scientists upon completion of their initial 18 month appointment with successful grant writing. The position is available immediately. To apply, send a cover letter, CV, and a list of 3 references to HumanResources@mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Aquarium Services Technician
General Duties:
This position will support a number of operational areas in the Aquarium division including guest services, admissions, aquarium gift shops, light general maintenance, exhibit installation and maintenance and assist aquarium biologists where appropriate. The duties listed above are listed in no special order and are not intended to represent a typical day. Other duties as assigned by the supervisor.
Working Hours:
Typical hours are 8:00am to 5:00pm with a one hour unpaid break for lunch. A normal work week is 40 hours with benefits extended to employees working in excess of 30 hours each week. Weekend, holiday and occasional evening duty may be required. It is highly likely that a typical work week will include one weekend day. The Mote Aquarium is open to the public 365 days a year from 10am-5pm so staff must be flexible when major off hours projects are undertaken.
Minimum Requirements:
Must possess or be able to acquire a valid Florida Driver’s License; Must demonstrate ability to consistently and punctually report for assigned work schedule; Must be able to accomplish after-hours tasks with minimum supervision; Must be able to use and / or read pressure gauges and metering equipment;. Must possess a combination of skills, education, and / or experience which enable completion of assigned tasks.
Education:
High school diploma or GED certificate desirable. Trade school or technical school courses preferred.
Skills:
Must interact courteously and tactfully with public, co-workers, managers, contractors & vendors.
Good written communications skills for logs / notes / instructions to other shifts; Ability to move / carry heavy objects; Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations, during both day and night hours, which may include working in tropical to temperate climate conditions. (Hot or cold, humid, intense sunlight, rainy weather, etc.)
- Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- Good existing computer skills and ability to learn custom software
- Utilize independent judgment to address basic issues
- Possess time management skills
- Capable of working with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
Physical:
- Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture of animals from aquatic environments.
- Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
- Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
- Capable of climbing and working from ladders
- Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
- Ability to work in confined spaces
- Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
- Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
- Ability to lift 25lbs overhead
- Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes
- Visual acuity is required including the ability to distinguish color variations
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm June 23, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician – Florida Keys
This is a unique position that requires someone that is highly independent and self motivated with a background in animal husbandry, life support systems and public outreach. The Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician will split up their time between two locations serving as an animal care taker responsible for the health, appearance, maintenance and cleanliness of aquariums and animals at the Eco Discovery Center in Key West as well as a Life Support Systems Technician maintaining LSS equipment in Summerland Key at Mote’s International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration. This position requires a sensible knowledge of animal behavior, including coral husbandry, through education or commensurate experience. An Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician is expected to maintain all animals under his or her care, noting unusual behavior and health, and reporting these observations to their supervisor. In addition to animal care an Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician must possess the ability to trouble-shoot life support system problems, and perform any basic repairs that may be required. An Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Systems Technician will be expected to participate in the design, installation and maintenance of closed and open seawater systems, seawater heater/chiller equipment, filtrations systems, pumps and associated equipment. He/she will also be responsible for guest interaction and educating visitors while simultaneously performing daily husbandry tasks. This includes promoting current Mote research and highlighting these efforts through the exhibits on display at the Eco Discovery Center.
General Duties:
Animal maintenance tasks may include, but are not limited to, preparation of food (including medicated and special diets), performing water quality tests and evaluation of these tests with corrective measures if necessary, collection of specimens, preparation of chemicals, cleaning of filters and aquarium glass, cleaning of food preparation room, performing water changes, and gravel vacuuming. Other tasks not directly related to animal care may include daily record keeping, maintenance of life support equipment, set up and breakdown of exhibit aquariums, participation in the exhibit development process, keeping work areas clean and equipment organized. Life Support Systems tasks may include cutting and gluing of PVC pipe, pump repair/installation, filter maintenance, water chemistry testing and repair/maintenance of other mechanical systems as necessary. An Aquarium Biologist/Life Support Technician is expected to hold all Eco Discovery Center Exhibits to the same high standards of care and maintenance as exhibits on display at The Aquarium. This position may require participation in continuing education which would involve travel to out of town locations. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined in the Mote Employee Policy Manual.
Driver’s License: Valid Florida Driver’s License or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire
Rescue SCUBA Diver certification or the ability to attain it in 12 months
Education:
Bachelor’s degree in Marine Science or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience
Experience:
Employment, internship, or a substantial amount of volunteer hours in a public aquarium, zoo or related institution is required.
Skills:
- Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
- Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
- Artistic approach to decor construction and design
- Knowledge of aquarium biological processes
- Knowledge of aquarium fish husbandry and health
- Ability to recognize fish diseases and parasites
- Understanding of life support systems
- Comfortable working independently and speaking with the public
- Ability to troubleshoot life support systems and make necessary repairs
- Posses time management skills
- Ability to work with PVC pipe, fittings, solvent cement, epoxy and resins
Physical:
- Precise hand-eye coordination is required for the gentle capture and handling of animals from aquatic environments
- Ability to work outside in hot and humid Florida weather conditions
- Ability to spend the majority of workday walking, standing, bending and lifting
- Capable of climbing and working from ladders
- Tolerance to work in the proximity of noisy machinery & equipment
- Ability to work in confined spaces
- Tolerance for the smell of fish and animal feces
- Ability to lift and carry 60 lbs
- Ability to lift 25lbs overhead
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes daily
- Capable of working around bleach and other sanitizing chemicals
- Strength to lift a net holding 10 lbs with one arm
- Tolerance working with wet hands, feet and clothes every day
- Visual sharpness is required including the ability to distinguish color variations
- The job may require under water SCUBA assisted maintenance of exhibits
Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume, and 3) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm June 16, 2017 to HumanResources@mote.org. Alternatively, a single package of all requested elements may be submitted to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236.
