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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.
Unless otherwise noted all positions are located in Sarasota, Florida.
The Guest Services Associate serves as a first point of contact for Mote Science Education Aquarium guests.This position is responsible for a variety of guest service operations including daily ticketing and memberships, warmly greeting and assisting guests, and operating guest experiences such as Virtual Reality and Stingray Feeding. The Guest Services Associate will interact with guests and provide exceptional customer service with the goal of exceeding guest expectations for their visit.
Job Responsibilities:
Working Hours:
Normal working hours for a full time employee is 8:30am-5pm, with a half hour unpaid lunch. A normal work week is 30-40 hours. Must be available to work weekends and holidays.
Normal working hours for a part time employee is either 8:30am-5pm, three days a week or 9:15am-
5pm four days a week. A normal work week is 20-29 hours. Must be available to work weekends and
holidays. Part time and Full time positions for Guest Services Associate are available.
Qualifications:
The ideal team member will be:
Supervision: This position reports to the Manager of Guest Services
Labor Category:Non Exempt (Federal Fair Labor Standards Act)
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Guest Services Associate (Nathan Benderson Park Campus” 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
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
The Guest Research Coordinator plays a vital role in understanding and enhancing the visitor experience at Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium. This position focuses on collecting and analyzing guest feedback to drive improvements in exhibits, operations, and engagement strategies.
By conducting in person research, analyzing visitor data, and collaborating with internal teams, the Coordinator ensures that Mote’s decision making is informed by real guest insights. This role helps refine the guest experience, identify trends, and support initiatives that strengthen visitor satisfaction, education, and membership engagement.
Responsibilities:
Guest Insights & Visitor Research
Internal Event & Exhibit Engagement
Schedule & Work Environment
Supervision: The Guest Research Coordinator reports to the Membership & Guest Research Manager
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
Skills
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate is both data driven and people oriented, excelling in research methodologies and guest engagement. They are proficient in Google Analytics and have experience with additional survey and data analysis tools, with a strong ability to interpret visitor behavior and provide strategic insights. Comfortable in both research and public facing roles, they are passionate about enhancing the guest experience through data-informed decisions.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Guest Research Coordinator” 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
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
The Member Engagement Coordinator is responsible for supporting membership operations while designing and implementing activities, events, and initiatives that enhance member engagement, satisfaction, and retention. This role integrates the day to day operations of membership sales and services with event planning and strategic engagement efforts to create a vibrant and rewarding membership program.
The Coordinator handles membership transactions, member communication, appreciation programs, and events, including family friendly activities, loyalty incentives, and reciprocal admissions programs. Additionally, this role develops creative strategies to enhance member value and collaborates with internal teams to ensure a seamless and engaging member experience.
Responsibilities:
Membership Operations & Administration
Engagement, Events & Outreach
Working Hours:
Labor Category: Non-Exempt
Supervision: The Member Engagement Coordinator reports to the Membership & Guest Research Manager
Qualifications:
Education & Experience
Skills
Ideal Candidate:
The ideal candidate will excel at balancing the operational responsibilities of membership transactions with the creative aspects of member engagement. Enthusiastic, driven, and a self-starter, they are skilled at prioritizing tasks and bringing energy, creativity, and a positive attitude to their work. This individual excels at building strong connections with Mote members and is excited to contribute to the success and growth of Mote’s membership program by delivering innovative and rewarding experiences.
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Member Engagement Coordinator” 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
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
Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking candidates for a Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowship in Marine Biomedical Research. The Marine Biomedical Research Program has historically focused on basic and applied research using elasmobranchs (sharks, skates, and stingrays) as laboratory animal models directed primarily at characterizing elasmobranch immune cell-derived proteins and venoms from stingray spines, as well as development of novel cell lines. Over the next several years, Mote will be undertaking a significant cross-cutting evolution of several existing research programs, including Marine Biomedical, Immunology, Molecular Microbiology, and Ecotoxicology, along with establishing a new Medicinal Chemistry Research Program to launch a new Derived Products from the Sea Initiative with the goal of identifying untapped sources of unique and novel marine natural products and studying various marine model organisms which contribute to human health and other sciences as well as creating licensable intellectual property. We envision the successful candidate for the Marine Biomedical Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowship position will be instrumental in growing this broader initiative. It is strongly recommended that applicants have a background in combinations of immunology, biochemistry, elasmobranch/marine organismal biology/physiology, and/or cell culture techniques.
Mote Background:
In 2025, Mote will be celebrating 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. Mote’s ocean and coastal research enterprise has 35 research units, an array of STEM education/outreach efforts, and an aquarium featuring teaching and working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 300 staff, and approximately 1500 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across eight 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 nearing completion for a new 145,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA). The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by more than 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects with Mote all around the world.
Fellowship Program:
Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are three-year positions providing 100% salary support, funding assistance for equipment/supplies and travel, and office and laboratory space. The Fellowship includes mentorship from a diversity of cross-discipline Mote scientists and administrative assistance for grant proposals, contract compliance, and reporting. Exemplary Fellows have been invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment. Mote envisions significant growth in Marine Biomedical Research 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 satellite campuses. 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. Mote Postdoctoral Research 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.
Application:
Recent (2022 and more recent) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation in 2025 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $65,000 (negotiable depending on experience), health insurance with family options, and other generous benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. To apply, please submit:
To Apply:
Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Postdoctoral Fellow – Marine Biomedical Research” 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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
The Venue Services Coordinator is responsible for executing the day-to-day operations of venue rentals, ensuring exceptional service for clients, guests, and Mote staff. This role involves coordinating all aspects of venue bookings, including coordinating event details, negotiating contracts, and providing personalized support to ensure a seamless experience from booking to execution. The Coordinator will handle inquiries, assist clients with event planning, and carry out logistics to ensure all venue rental needs are met, such as coordinating catering, AV equipment, and event setup. This position will support venue rental operations at Mote’s City Island campus in addition to Mote’s Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA.). The Venue Services Coordinator will collaborate closely with internal teams to monitor Mote-hosted events, such as fundraisers, symposiums, and conferences, ensuring every event is executed flawlessly.
Responsibilities:
Venue Rentals:
Internal Mote Events:
Additional Responsibilities:
Working Hours: Regular office hours Tuesday through Saturday, with flexibility required to accommodate evening and weekend events. Due to the nature of this position, weekend, holiday, and early morning duties will be common.
Labor Category: Non-Exempt
Minimum Requirements: First Aid and CPR certified or willingness to attain within 3 months of hire date.
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred.
Ideal Experience: Customer service, hospitality, and sales experience strongly preferred. Computer literate and proficient in software applications (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc.). Familiarity with event management software such as Tripleseat and Prism is a plus. Detail-oriented with a strong background in event planning and the ability to manage multiple projects independently. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially in building relationships with clients, volunteers, donors, staff, and aquarium visitors. Ability to create layouts, place rental orders, and manage events from concept to completion. A self-starter and able to work independently with minimal supervision
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Venue Services Coordinator” 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
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
Mote Marine Laboratory: Eminent Scholar in Ocean Technology
Mote is seeking a full-time senior level researcher to lead the current Mote Ocean Technology Research Program to the next level of innovation focused on autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, next generation robotics and sensor development, and use of artificial intelligence and swarm model algorithms that will together serve as an Ocean Technology Center of Excellence to support research and science education across the institution and beyond. Preferred candidates should have a PhD in a related discipline and over 10 years of marine technology research or engineering related experience, a strong publication record, established network of collaborators, significant history of successful grantsmanship, and proven research program leadership skills. The position is located at Mote’s main laboratory (1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236) campus but will collaborate across Mote’s nine campuses as well as national and international partners around the world. The incumbent establishes the program vision and goals, manages staff, guides program finances, crafts government and philanthropic funding proposals, represents Mote at professional forums, and ensures that all funding deliverables are achieved efficiently and effectively.
Program Overview
Mote envisions significant growth of its existing program into the Ocean Technology Center of Excellence that will be a cornerstone of the evolution of its current 10.5 acre Sarasota City Island campus into an International Marine Science, Technology and Innovation Park. The current Mote Ocean Technology Research Program mission is to develop and utilize various forms of cutting-edge sensor and autonomous vehicle technology in conjunction with a wide range of interdisciplinary scientific goals to assist in addressing complex ocean and coastal issues, streamline processes, and monitor the important ecological parameters off the western shores of Florida such as water quality, water temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, and chlorophyll levels in near real time. Center of Excellence research may include but isn’t limited to, sensor development, autonomous and remotely operated vehicles, next generation robotics, and use of swarm model algorithms. It is also expected that the new Ocean Technology Center of Excellence will closely collaborate with the newly launched Mote Artificial Intelligence Marine Science (AIMS) Center. The successful candidate will be an innovator for paradigm changing ocean technology impacts in restoring, sustainable utilizing and conserving ocean species, habitats and ecosystem, as well as creating intellectual property that will stimulate economic growth in southwest Florida. The position affords opportunities for hosting visiting scientists, interactions with researchers from multiple disciplines at Mote, and oversight of postdoctoral fellows, student interns and volunteers. The successful candidate will be selected based on ability to not only strengthen and diversify the Laboratory’s existing research expertise, but also to establish their own innovative research initiatives that address Mote’s Beyond 2020 Vision & Strategic Plan.
Mote Background:
In 2025, Mote is celebrating 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. Mote’s ocean and coastal research enterprise has 39 Research Programs and Centers, an array of STEM education/outreach efforts, and an aquarium featuring teaching and working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 300 staff, and approximately 1500 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across eight 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 a new 145,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) that will open in 2025. Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by more than 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects with Mote all around the world.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $150,000.00 – $180,000.00 per year
Benefits:
Schedule: 8 hour shift
Work Location: In person
Expected hours: 40 per week
Ability to Commute: Sarasota, FL 34236 (Required)
Ability to Relocate: Sarasota, FL 34236: Relocate before starting work (Required)
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Ocean Technology Program Manager” 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
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
The Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a talented and enthusiastic Staff Biologist to assist with a variety of exciting research activities in the Program, with emphasis on the participation in field and laboratory studies, laboratory analysis of samples, and other duties as required. The position will be located at the primary Mote campus in Sarasota on City Island at 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway with some work also conducted at the Mote Aquaculture Research Park (MAP) campus at 12300 Fruitville Road in Sarasota.
Position Overview:
Where needed, training will be provided to execute activities and duties listed above. All employees must comply with the requirements outlined by the Mote Marine Laboratory Employee Policy Manual.
Skills and Qualifications:
Desired Skills:
Preference may be given to candidates with working knowledge and experience with any of the following: Flow Cam, PAM fluorometry, phytoplankton culture, CTD deployment and/or data processing, data processing and graphing programs (Excel, Surfer, R, Origin, etc.)
Working Conditions:
This is a regular, full-time, non-exempt position for 40 hours per week. Daily hours may vary based on need and can be modified with prior supervisor approval. Occasionally, longer hours may be required due to field work, underway experiments, and other research related efforts. Work may be conducted in the laboratory or in the field, as described above, depending on need.
Annual salary range starts at $42,000 with pay commensurate with level of experience. Annual merit and cost of living increases will be considered with appropriate work performance. Partially-subsidized health insurance is provided, with family options available. Benefits include an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leave for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Staff Biologist will be part of the Mote Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program and will organizationally report to the Phytoplankton Ecology Research Program Manager.
Success Factors:
Success in this position will be determined by the ability of the employee to execute assigned duties to a level sufficient to consistently produce valid and accurate data, working to gain additional skills, and developing the ability to work independently while maintaining a high level of quality.
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Staff Biologist – Phytoplankton Ecology” 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
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
The Life Support System Technician should have an interest in pursuing a career in Life Support Systems operations at a zoo or public aquarium. The Aquarium Life Support Systems Technician is responsible for the safe operation of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquariums freshwater and seawater operations. The Life Support Systems Technician is expected to perform high quality work in support of Mote Marine Laboratory and Aquarium’s mission statement.
General Duties:
Duties will include, but are not limited to, daily operation and maintenance of ozone generators, compressors and associated peripheral equipment. Other duties include pump repair, high rate sand filter operation and maintenance, as well as daily operation of water distribution systems. water chemistry testing and repair and maintenance of mechanical systems as necessary. The Life Support Systems Technician will perform back washing and/or water changes of Mote’s larger exhibits.
The Life Support Systems Technician will participate in the design, installation and maintenance of closed and open seawater systems, seawater heater/chiller equipment, ozone systems, filtration systems, pumps and associated equipment.
The Life Support Systems Technician will cooperate with staff, volunteers and contractors, but must also be able to work independently. Excellent problem solving skills are required.
The Life Support Systems Technician will help monitor and help maintain desired water quality parameters and ensure proper dosing of chemicals such as sodium bicarbonate, soda ash, chlorine, ozone and lanthanum chloride when necessary.
Participation in continuing education, including travel to out of town locations, may be required.
Any other duties in support of Aquarium activities as assigned by senior personnel. All employees must comply with the requirements as outlined in the MML Employee Policy Manual.
Working Hours:
Normal hours are 8.00 am to 5.00 pm Thursday to Monday with one unpaid hour for lunch and will include holiday shifts. These hours may be adjustable with the approval of senior personnel. Occasional longer daily hours may be required to complete specific tasks. The Life Support Systems Technician may be requested to be available after hours and weekends to support emergency situations.
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Life Support Systems Technician” 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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
Job Summary: Mote Marine Laboratory is seeking candidates for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Ecological Economics to lead research on the economic and environmental benefits of marine and coastal ecosystems, with a significant focus on seagrass restoration as a blue carbon strategy. The successful candidate will be charged with building a research program that assesses the economic viability, carbon sequestration potential, and ecosystem service benefits of seagrass ecosystems, contributing to the development of market-based incentives, policy recommendations, and sustainable financing mechanisms for restoration efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of marine and coastal ecosystem restoration and conservation, climate finance, and economic policy, collaborating with scientists, policymakers, and stakeholders to advance blue carbon initiatives.
Mote Background: Mote is celebrating 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit marine research laboratories. There are 38 programs and centers in Mote’s global research enterprise, an array of STEM education/outreach efforts, and an aquarium featuring teaching and working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, over 300 staff, and approximately 1300 volunteers that are located on its main campus in Sarasota and across eight 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 a new 145,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium (Mote SEA) that will be completed in mid-2025. The Mote scientific expertise is considerable and diverse, and is augmented by more than 150 non-resident scientists from more than 100 different U.S. and international institutions who are involved in projects with Mote all around the world.
Key Responsibilities
Qualifications & Skills
Required:
Preferred:
Fellowship Program: Mote Postdoctoral Research Fellowships are three-year positions providing 100% salary support, funding assistance for equipment/supplies and travel, and office and laboratory space. The Fellowship includes mentorship from a diversity of cross-discipline Mote scientists and administrative assistance for grant proposals, contract compliance, and reporting. Exemplary Fellows have been invited to join Mote as a Staff Scientist upon completion of their initial three-year appointment.
Mote envisions significant growth in ecological economics research 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 satellite campuses. 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. Mote Postdoctoral Research 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.
Application: Recent (2022 and more recent) PhD graduates are invited to apply. Applicants with a firm expectation of graduation in 2025 will be considered. This full-time position includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $65,000 (negotiable depending on experience), health insurance with family options, and other generous benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. To apply, please submit:
To Apply: Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2025 Postdoctoral Fellow – Ecological Economist” 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
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify.
