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.
Our employment openings are listed below. Recent doctoral students are also invited to apply for our Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships, with current opportunities focused on sharks and manatees.
Openings
Custodial Services
Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium is seeking full-time and part-time, daytime and second shift, custodial staff and a supervisor who are responsible for maintaining an exceptionally clean venue, laboratory and offices for all visitors and staff, always following Mote policies and procedures while having great attention to detail with integrity and pride in working at such a great place.
Our ideal Day Porter will have some experience in the customer service or janitorial industry and is comfortable interacting with both staff and visitors while enjoying everything Mote has to offer. They will have a great attendance record and will have a demonstrated record of good communication skills with customers and supervisors. A good eye for detail and the ability to work independently is a must.
Second shift (6pm to 2:30am) custodial staff will perform various cleaning tasks on a scheduled basis and as needed. Areas of accountability include, but are not limited to bathrooms, carpets & floors, trash, mirrors & windows, counters & shelves, elevators, employee office & break rooms and restrooms, stairwells, specific areas of exhibits, such as the outside of tanks & viewing windows, ceilings, special event rooms, and other assigned areas.
The Assistant Manager of Custodial Services should be hands on, self-motivated, and can work with little supervision and strives to meet customer and staff satisfaction. They will be responsible for a crew of custodial staff who will clean public, laboratory and office area.
Skills
Perform routine tasks accurately and efficiently
Able to work independently with limited supervision
Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing
Possess time management and organizational skills
Adaptable and flexible in a changing work environment- growth mindset
Utilize independent judgment to address basic custodial issues
Physical
Ability to work in both inside or outside in hot/humid Florida weather conditions
Ability to spend the majority of the workday walking, standing, bending and lifting.
Tolerance to work around noisy machinery & equipment
Ability to work in confined spaces
Ability to lift and carry cleaning equipment and supplies
Ability to clean overhead and within upward reach
Capable of working around chlorine and other sanitizing chemicals
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 September 25, 2020 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.
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. Mote participates in E-Verify
Staff Analytical Chemist – Ecotoxicology Program
The Ecotoxicology Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a staff chemist with a minimum 2 year’s experience with operation and method development on LC/MS-MS system and chemistry background to understand sample prep for mass spectrometry to be filled as soon as possible. This position will be located in Sarasota, Florida. General duties to be performed include working with a research-focused experimental system and LC/MS-MS analyses (including natural toxins, personal care products, and pesticides). This is a 1-year position with the possibility for renewal. The staff analytical chemist will also be responsible for assisting with mentoring student interns year-round. This position might require longer days and weekend work. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. and must be able to work in hot/outdoor environments at times.
Essential Functions
• Operation and method development on Thermo LC/MS-MS Trip Quad system.
• The analyst implements and validates published methods for use in the laboratory.
• Designs, develops and validates new methods using appropriate LC/MS/MS techniques.
• Prepares detailed reports on status of current projects
• Maintains careful records of experimental observations
• Provides technical guidance to other employees.
• Preform data analysis
• Plans and performs work to meet deadlines and expected turn-around times.
• Performs routine diagnosis, troubleshooting and maintenance of equipment.
• Conforming to laboratory QA/QC practices
• Field collections
• Mentoring interns
• Water/Tissue Extractions
• Other duties as assigned.
Qualifications/Requirements
• B.S degree or higher in Analytical Chemistry; other degrees will be considered with appropriate experience
• Minimum two (2) years of hands on experience working with LC/MS-MS and familiar with Thermo Fisher TraceFinder and Xcalibur.
• High level of experience in Mass Spectroscopy and comprehensive Chromatographic analysis
• Strong computer skills and excellent organizational and robust verbal and written communication skills.
• Proven experiment design skills and instrumental skills
• Ability to multi-task, organized, detail oriented, and possesses excellent problem solving capabilities; will have good time management capabilities and be able to work independently of supervision and work well with other analysts on the team.
• Ability to take ownership for meeting goals and objectives; willing to be accountable for own decisions, and willing to give 100%. Able to look for new ways to accomplish objectives
• Proficient English verbal and written communication skills with the ability to communicate well with staff, management, and clients in a professional manner.
• High energy level, confidence and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work evening and weekends when necessary to meet goals.
• Strong commitment to quality and integrity.
• U.S. citizenship or foreign citizen’s U.S. work permit appropriate for the work is required
Special Qualifications:
1. Some knowledge of Karenia brevis (Florida Red Tide) preferred but not required
2. Some knowledge of natural toxin chemistry
3. Ability to work autonomously
4. Very organized with great attention to detail
5. Willing to work with groups from other institutions
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 August 28, 2020 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.
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.
Coral Restoration Postdoctoral Researcher
Primary Function: The Coral Restoration Postdoctoral Researcher will primarily be responsible for coordinating and overseeing the Coral Restoration Program’s day to day activities, including conducting research on restoration science, managing the implementation of coral propagation within our land-based nursery, outplanting, monitoring and reporting.
Primary Duties:
Assist in managing Mote’s coral restoration efforts, specifically focused on utilizing land-based nurseries and microfragmentation processes.
Be a leader in Mote’s coral restoration efforts by providing guidance, perspective and initiative for future cutting edge technologies and applications to keep Mote within the forefront of restoration science
Oversee Mote’s coral restoration initiatives funded by various Mote funding sources
Represent Mote’s Coral Restoration Program within workshops, partner meetings, and collaborative initiatives.
Oversee data management of the coral restoration outplanting deliverables and research projects within the scope of funded projects
Conduct data analyses, create quarterly reports, and publish peer-reviewed articles on coral restoration science
Oversee permit applications and permit reports associated with Mote’s Coral Restoration Program
Write grants for additional financial support that further Mote’s coral restoration efforts
Additional duties, as assigned, related to the daily operation of a full service marine laboratory, including outreach and education activities as needed.
Minimum Qualifications or Requirements:
Ph.D. degree in the marine or biological sciences from an accredited college or university by start date.
Ability to obtain a valid Florida driver's license.
Ability to obtain AAUS dive certification
Ability to be an adaptable and collegial member of team, self-motivated and complete assigned tasks in a timely manner.
U.S. Citizenship or Foreign Citizen U.S. Work Permit Approved
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Experience with aquaculture systems.
Experience in stony coral husbandry.
Experience in conducting coral restoration research
Ability to secure funding through competitive grants or philanthropic sources
Experience operating vessels up to 25ft (USCG Captain’s License preferred).
Ability to identify Florida stony corals.
Ability to work outdoors, for long hours, in tropical climate.
Lift heavy objects or equipment up to 50 lbs required.
Normal hours are 8 hour work days M-F; however, weekend and evening hours may be required at times.
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 August 15, 2020 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.
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.
Salary will be commensurate with experience
Review of applications will begin immediately with the position expected to start prior to December 31, 2020
Senior Research Scientist in either Shark or Manatee Biology, Behavior and Conservation
Mote Marine Laboratory announces the availability of a Senior Research Scientist position concerning either elasmobranchs with an emphasis on sharks, or sirenians with an emphasis on manatees. Both positions would require candidates who are currently: 1) a senior scientist of international reputation and esteem, 2) a demonstrated leader in marine conservation, 3) an active participant in contemporary, professional scientific research with a strong history of successful grantsmanship and experience in managing research programs and staffs, and 4) a commitment to the public understanding of the biology, behavior, and conservation of sharks or manatees. This Senior Research Scientist position would be expect to secure and maintain significant external grant funding each year but would be provided a guaranteed Mote base of 100% annual salary and fringe benefits for the initial three years, followed by 75% guarantee for three years and an additional three year commitment at 50%.
SHARKS. Mote’s leadership in shark research traces continuously back to the Laboratory’s founding in 1955, as the Cape Haze Marine Laboratory under Dr. Eugenie Clark. In 1991, the U.S. Congress named Mote as the site of the Center for Shark Research, the nation’s only such-designated research center for sharks and their relatives. Memoranda of Understanding between Mote and several organizations including NOAA help to guide the course of the Laboratory’s shark research. Mote’s Sharks and Rays Conservation Research Program, the unit under which current elasmobranch research is conducted, reflects a priority on studies that contribute to the conservation and rebuilding of depleted elasmobranch populations. This research spans laboratory- and field-based studies from southwest Florida to locations around the world. Facilities for conducting elasmobranch research at Mote include offices and laboratories, an extensive wet lab and animal care facility, and a fleet of research vessels.
This Senior Research Scientist position is expected to lead Mote’s elasmobranch research into the coming decades. It is anticipated that the successful candidate may qualify to receive the Perry W. Gilbert Chair in Shark Research, an endowed chair established in 2001, to support the work of a distinguished, internationally recognized shark biologist in residence at the Laboratory.
MANATEES. The study of wild manatees began at Mote Marine Laboratory in the 1980s with aerial surveys of the coastal waters of Manatee and Sarasota counties. The Manatee Research Program (MRP) was formally founded in 1993, and with the addition of Dr. John Reynolds, III, (Nov. 8, 1952 - Dec. 23, 2017) as program manager in 2000, the MRP grew to become a cornerstone of scientific understanding and protection of these unique mammals in Florida and the Caribbean. The Manatee Research Program continues at Mote, and Reynolds' legacy continues to benefit marine science, conservation, and education around the globe.
The MRP conducts year-round studies of manatee behavioral ecology, distribution, habitat use, genetics, and population status in Florida. The MRP also advises manatee conservation and research actions throughout Florida and the wider Caribbean, and further advises conservation projects for sirenians (manatees and dugongs) globally. Mote’s MRP is one of three organizations (along with U.S. Geological Survey’s Sirenia Project and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission) participating via formal Memoranda of Understanding in organizing and maintaining the statewide Manatee Individual Photo-identification System (MIPS) database. Long term aerial and photo-identification surveys throughout the year have proven valuable to coastal community efforts to manage manatees in order to balance human activities with the sustainability of manatees and their habitat. MRP research at Mote is ongoing and also involves collaborators including corresponding and visiting faculty and graduate students, agency and NGO investigators, postdoctoral associates, interns, and volunteers.
A complete application will be a single pdf file containing:
1. Cover Letter addressed to Dr. Michael P. Crosby, Ph.D., FLS, President & CEO; to include confidentiality terms and availability timeline.
2. Curriculum vitae including links to representative publications.
3. Narrative account of experience and accomplishments.
4. Thought piece on your vision for Mote’s future growth and leadership in shark or manatee research.
5. Other Considerations.
6. Names, titles, and contact information (telephone; email) of three references.
Qualified, interested applicants are required to send a complete application to Mote’s Human Resources Office at HumanResources@mote.org with the subject line: “Senior Scientist Application/ Sharks” or “Senior Scientist Application/ Manatees.” 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.
Other media essential to your application may be submitted. The application period will remain open until filled. 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. Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Ernest D. Estevez, Ph.D., Senior Scientist Emeritus and Search Committee Chair, at estevez@mote.org.
