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 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. This position will remain open until filled in 2017 or early 2018. There are no application deadlines but early applications are encouraged. 

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.  

Staff Chemist I

Duties and Responsibilities

Work includes (but is not limited to) chemical and physical analyses, participation in field sampling which may include travel; operations from trucks or boats, occasional evening/night shifts, and driving laboratory vehicles both with and without boat trailers.  In additional to analyses, other activities are carried out according the Quality Plan dictates and objectives; including calibration and maintenance of scientific equipment; preparations for field trips; sample analyses, and data quality assessments.  Proficiency is expected for work on personal computers, (Word and Excel software), and, after initial training, on water quality instrumentation, navigation and safety equipment, balances, pH meters, and spectrophotometers, and the like.  In general, Staff Chemists will develop skills in particular laboratory analyses and activities and accept assignment to specific projects.   Emergency CPR, First Aid, and Coast Guard small vessel safety courses are available through the laboratory and a Staff Chemist will be expected to obtain these certifications within a finite period.

Requirements    

A bachelor’s degree with a major or minor in chemistry from an accredited university. In lieu of a chemistry degree, course work in other natural science areas or employment in a related field will be considered. Alternatively, a high school degree with at least five years experience in a chemical or analytical laboratory setting will be considered in lieu of a bachelor’s degree.

This is a 7 month position, with full benefits, with a possibility of extension. 

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume or CV, 3) unofficial transcript, and 4) the names and contact information for three references, before 5pm May 15, 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.  Incomplete packages will not be reviewed. 

Part Time Admissions Cashier

The Cashier serves as an Aquarium admissions cashier and will help coordinate/direct/assist the volunteer cashiers.  This position will be responsible for cashier duties primarily at the Marine Mammal Center or at the Main Aquarium when necessary.  Job will be 3 to 4 days a week, typically Tue, Wed, and a one floating day when needed.

Tasks

  • Receive payment by cash, check, credit cards, complementary tickets and discount coupons.
  • Issue receipts, refunds, credits, or change due to customers.
  • Assist customers by providing information and resolving their complaints.
  • Establish or identify prices of goods, services or admission, and tabulate bills using calculators, cash registers, or optical price scanners.
  • Greet customers entering establishments.
  • Answer customers' questions, and provide information on procedures or policies.
  • Sell tickets, memberships, and other items to customers.
  • Maintain clean and orderly checkout.
  • Responsible for opening and closing accounting procedures at admissions and assist volunteer cashiers with related procedures.
  • Work with additional cashiers for coverage issues.

Work Setting

  • Job tasks are performed in close physical proximity to other people.
  • Must be able to lift 25 lbs and move 56 lb guide map boxes with the help of a dolly.
  • Willing to work a flexible schedule including weekends and holidays.
  • May require stooping or crouching.
  • Requires sitting or standing for long periods of time.
  • Requires First Aid and CPR training provided at Mote.

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 May 19, 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. 

Receptionist

The Receptionist/Administrative Assistant is a key member of the Mote Marine Laboratory staff. As the first point of contact, the Receptionist/Administrative Assistant’s role serves as an ambassador to all visitors and callers. A positive attitude, even temperament, along with a professional appearance and demeanor is essential. Other imperative qualities are punctuality, excellent attendance and proper dress attire that adhere to the rules of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium. Previous experience with MS Word/Excel, postage/mail equipment, USPS, FedEx and UPS shipping and receiving, and multi-function copiers are preferred. This position requires full cooperation and communication with immediate supervisor relative to potential problems or unusual events. From time to time, this position may require the need to quickly evaluate and then triage tasks and situations in this fast paced multi-task environment.

Working Hours: 8am to 5pm Monday through Friday

Physical Requirements

  • Occasionally move or transport objects weighing up to 25 pounds.
  • Ability to work in a stationary position for long periods of time.
  • Occasionally positions self to reach under shelves and desks and higher shelves in supply closets.
  • Ability to work in warm or humid temperature conditions.

To Apply

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 May 19, 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.  

Public Relations Manager

General Description

This is a full-time position that supports public relations activities for all Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium departments and programs and the institutional goals of: 1) promoting Mote’s research, 2) generating attendance for Mote Aquarium, Education programs and events and 3) supporting fundraising efforts. It supports and enhances the institution’s reputation, integrity and partnerships.

The primary emphasis is media relations — this position is responsible for initiating and managing regular contact with local, regional and national media, including being the primary responder to incoming media queries and primary media escort at Mote’s Sarasota County facilities. This position also develops (in conjunction with the Content Development Manager and the Assistant Vice President of Community Relations and Communications (AVP)) and implements a media-relations strategy that supports institutional objectives.

Major Duties and Responsibilities

Works with AVP of Community Relations and Communications and Content Development Manager along with other staff in the Education, Aquarium and Outreach departments to perform and support daily activities of each department.. Duties include:

  • Media relations – developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with members of the media at the local, state and national level. Mote’s Public Relations Manager should be the go-to source for reporters covering coastal and ocean-related news.
  • Manages media database, including updating current contacts as reporters and adding new contacts as they are developed (including notes of contact with reporters).
  • Develops story ideas, places stories, handles inquiries, researches and writes news releases (including the media eblast issued every Tuesday, Newsday@Mote).
  • Works with media on site and fulfills photo and video requests.
  • Reviews media contracts for appropriate usage of Mote materials.
  • Serves as a spokesperson for Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium as appropriate.
  • Handles occasional inquiries from the general public via phone, website and in person.
  • Supports and enhances institutional partnerships, including representing Mote at off-site events and in professional organizations.
  • Monitors media for placement about Mote and issues related to Mote’s mission to inform staff, Trustees and volunteers. Provides regular newsclips to internal audiences on a monthly basis.
  • Creates institutional messages for issues and programs to be used across communication platforms.
  • Manages Communications interns and Communications volunteers
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Hours: Full-time position. Regular office hours with the understanding that flexibility is required to provide coverage for media and events after hours and on weekends.

Minimum Qualifications and Skills:

  • Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple priorities and tasks simultaneously
  • Creative and detail-oriented
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to simplify complex topics for a general audience
  • Ability to work with volunteers, interns and staff at all levels
  • Administrative skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Minimum of 2 years journalism, writing, editing, public relations and/or marketing experience.
  • A four-year college degree preferred in a communications field including journalism, marketing, public relations or related field or equivalent work experience in a similar environment.
  • Knowledge of common marketing and public relations practices and tools
  • Ability to lift at least 50 pounds

Preferred Experience/Background

  • Experience placing stories with national media
  • Knowledge of basic scientific processes and terminology
  • Interest in marine science

Interested applicants should submit as a single electronic file, 1) a cover letter, 2) resume or CV, 3) three writing samples that show your work in PR, news reporting, magazine features or other types of journalism, and 4) the names and contact information for three references, before 5 p.m. Friday, June 1, 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.

Sea Turtle Nesting

Mote Marine Laboratory, recently began its 35th year monitoring sea turtle nesting along 35 miles of local beaches.

The Humans of Mote

View All Staff