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, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote Marine Laboratory participates in E-Verify.
Our current employment openings are listed below.
Postdoctoral Fellow, Marine Microbiology
Ocean Engineer/Instrument Specialist
Education Specialist II - Upper Florida Keys
Ocean Technology Program Manager
Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbiology
Position: Mote Marine Laboratory intends to grant a Postdoctoral Fellowship in Marine Microbiology. An applicant’s research focus should be in microbial culture-based techniques, derived products from the sea (to include antibiotics, probiotics and other non-prescription health supplements for aquaculture and humans), factors driving microbial distribution and community structure, and interest in maintaining and expanding a Mote microbial library for culture work.
Mote: Mote is celebrating over 67 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has over 20 diverse research programs, an array of education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 260 staff and approximately 1300 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across six additional campuses/facilities including a state-of-the-art 200 acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys and work is underway for a new 110,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium.
The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by approximately 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects at Mote. In addition, more than 70 non-resident scientists from around the world have been appointed as Adjunct Mote Scientists due to their significant level of sustained collaboration with Mote scientists and regular use of Mote facilities to conduct their research.
Application: Recent (2019 and after) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation by December 31, 2022 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of $55,000, health insurance with family options, and benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Postdoctoral Fellow will also have an established researcher assigned to serve as a Mentor and will receive office/laboratory space at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park in Sarasota, and funds for startup, operations, and travel. The Fellowship will be for a period of three years assuming appropriate annual progress. Exemplary Fellows may be invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.
Mote envisions significant growth of its Marine Microbiology Research Program as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park, continued expansion of the Mote Aquaculture Research Park, and stand up of satellite campuses/facilities along the Florida coral reef. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of student interns and volunteers. Postdoctoral Fellows are selected based on their ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s significant existing research expertise, but also the potential to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.
Applicants should submit the following:
- Cover letter addressed to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy, of interest including present employment status
- Academic transcript of doctoral studies
- Copy of PhD if achieved, and expected graduation date.
- Curriculum vitae
- Two-page essay, excluding references and exhibits, describing intended research and mentors.
- Three representative journal publications, in press or published
- Names and contact information for three references
Applications should be submitted by selecting “2022 Postdoctoral Fellow, Microbiology” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before September 30, 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is a U.S. citizen or otherwise eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Mote Marine Laboratory is an E-Verify employer. Questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org.
Ocean Engineer/Instrument Specialist
The Ocean Technology Program of Mote Marine Laboratory has an opening for a full-time, Ocean Engineer/Instrument Specialist. The successful candidate should have a BS, or MS (preferred) in ocean engineering, electrical engineering, oceanography/marine science or equivalent, with experience in instrumentation for marine science. Experience in interdisciplinary research, biogeochemical measurements and instrumentation, optics, autonomous instrument platforms, and/or ocean observing systems will be advantageous. The successful candidate must have a demonstrated capability to conceive, design and implement instrumentation or device intended for an application in their field of study. Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, optical or computer technology will be a rated metric in the selection process.
The successful candidate will work with an engineering and ocean technology team to design, construct, deploy and maintain ocean instrumentation for autonomous platforms (Teledyne Webb gliders), fixed stations, and other novel platforms. Our team participates in regional and national activities supporting the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, and Mote’s existing Sarasota Operations – Coastal Ocean Observing System (SO-COOL). The hire will be at the Instrument Specialist or Ocean Engineer level (commensurate with qualifications). Also expected to report findings in significant peer reviewed professional publications and participate in professional organizations and meetings.
The position also affords the opportunity for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, oversight of student interns and volunteers. Mote Scientists may serve as Courtesy Faculty at various colleges and universities, as well as sharing information to the public to enhance understanding about Mote’s Ocean Technology Research.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Ocean Engineer/Instrument Specialist” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm September 30, 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Education Specialist II - Upper Florida Keys
The full time Education Specialist II will assist with instruction and evaluation of educational programs at Mote Marine Laboratory’s International Center for Coral Reef Research and Restoration (IC2R3) and within the community. The Education Specialist II works closely with staff, volunteers, and interns in the Education Department and throughout the Lab to ensure that our mission and the needs of the audiences are being met.
This position will lead education programs in the upper Florida Keys from Key Largo to Marathon.
General Duties:
- Implement engaging hands-on educational activities
- Prepare and teach classroom/lab/field programs, outreach programs, facility tours, evening events, and other education programs
- Provide high quality group management to groups of participants of varying ages
- Provide direction to other interns and volunteers working with the program
- Prepare, organize and maintain educational resources
- Provide outstanding customer service to our guests
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor
Working Hours:
Schedules will vary and may include some evening, weekend, and holiday hours.
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in education, science (or current enrollment in these degree programs) or related field or equivalent experience
- At least one year formal/informal teaching experience preferred
- Valid US driver’s license with clean driving record and at least 5 years of driving experience
- Reliable transportation and the ability to arrive at (off-site) locations at designated times
- U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work
- Certifications required: CPR/First Aid, Open Water SCUBA
- Certifications preferred: Lifeguarding, Rescue SCUBA
- Excellent verbal/written communication skills
- Stamina for working occasional long hours at outdoor locations in hot/cold weather, high humidity, intense sunlight, and wet weather while responsible for youth and adult participants
- Not excessively prone to motion/sea sickness
- Ability to carry/move heavy objects up to 40 lbs occasionally
Hiring Conditions:
The hiring of a successful candidate for this position is conditional on a background check.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Education Specialist II, Florida Keys” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm August 12, 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Ocean Technology Program Manager
The Ocean Technology Research Program of Mote Marine Laboratory has an opening for a full-time, Staff Scientist/Program Manager. The ideal candidate will have a PhD or equivalent in ocean science & engineering with experience in instrumentation for the marine environment. Experience in interdisciplinary research, biogeochemical measurements and instrumentation, optics, autonomous instrument platforms, and/or ocean observing systems will be advantageous. The successful candidate must have a demonstrated capability to conceive, design and implement instrumentation or device intended for an application in their field of study. Hands-on experience with mechanical, electrical, optical or computer technology will be a rated metric in the selection process.
The successful candidate will manage an existing small engineering and ocean technology team and will be responsible for identifying additional personnel needs. The new program manager will interact with optical instrument developers, apply existing instrumentation on autonomous platforms (Webb gliders) and fixed stations, to research questions involving Harmful Algal Blooms under existing projects, lead the migration of existing instruments to additional generations and novel platforms, participate in regional and national activities supporting the Gulf of Mexico Coastal Ocean Observing System, manage and enhance Mote’s existing Sarasota Operations – Coastal Ocean Observing System (SO-COOL), develop new instrumentation, and procure grants in support of his/her specific areas of interest.
Mote envisions significant growth of its Ocean Technology Research Program to include innovations in sensor development, robotics, artificial intelligence and machine learning as part of the evolution of its current Sarasota, FL campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park. The position also affords the opportunity for hosting of visiting scientists, interactions with scientists from multiple disciplines at Mote, oversight of student interns and volunteers. Mote Scientists may serve as Courtesy Faculty at various colleges and universities, as well as sharing information to the public to enhance understanding about Mote’s Ocean Technology Research.
Mote is an independent, not-for-profit, 501c(3) research and education institution. The hire will be at the Staff Scientist (Assistant Professor equivalent) level with the opportunity to advance to Senior Scientist (Full Professor equivalent). As a Staff Scientist, the successful candidate is expected to report findings in significant peer reviewed professional publications and participate in professional organizations and meetings. The starting salary will be commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package but we are especially interested in early career engineers who will continue to grow with our expanding Ocean Technology Research Program.
Technical questions regarding this position may be sent to Kevin Claridge, Vice President of Sponsored Research and Coastal Policy Programs at kclaridge@mote.org. Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Ocean Technology Program Manager” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. with a complete publications list (accepted, in press and in review) and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm September 30, 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or other protected category. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time.
Accounting Clerk
The Accounting Clerk is a key member of the Mote Marine Laboratory staff. A positive attitude, reliability and trustworthiness are critical. Previous experience with MS Word/Excel and accounting software is preferred. Strong communication skills, experience in money handling and related record-keeping, experience using basic math and accounting concepts are essential. Attention to detail and initiative to learn are paramount.
Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Prepare, distribute and collect daily money bags for Aquarium Admissions, Membership, and other areas as needed.
- Run daily reports to reconcile money bags to count sheets and prepare related journal entries for review.
- Prepare daily cash deposits as assigned.
- Count various donation box funds and prepare for deposit.
- Keep and balance bank funds in Business Office safe.
- Open daily fund-raising envelopes for CFO/Vice President’s review and Accounting Associate’s bank deposit.
- Assist with updating inventory and fixed asset records.
- Assist Business Services staff with various tasks, including scanning, filing, invoice coding and data entry, report compilation and other duties as assigned.
Requirements:
- Minimum High School Diploma or GED Equivalent; post-secondary education preferable.
- Prior cash handling experience.
- Excellent communications skills.
- Trustworthiness and discretion with confidential materials.
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Self-motivated with proactive desire to learn and perform as a member of a team
- Experience using basic math and accounting concepts and record-keeping functions.
- Experience using MS Word/Excel software.
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 position self to reach under shelves and desks and higher shelves in supply closets.
- Ability to work in warm or humid temperature conditions while performing certain duties.
Work Environment:
The work environment is an open office concept to promote teamwork and as such, the noise and activity level may occasionally be elevated from staff discussions, use of cash counting machinery, and/or interruptions due to internal/external requests or submissions of information. Regular working hours are somewhat flexible between 8am and 5pm weekdays.
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2022 Accounting Clerk” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm August 26, 2022.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
