Research Associate II

umiami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) at the University of Miami invites applications for a Research Associate II in the Physical Oceanography Division (PhOD) at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). The position focuses on observational studies of interannual to multidecadal ocean variability and its influence on climate.

The role involves troubleshooting, repairing, and assembling electromechanical systems, supporting field campaigns,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field and 2 years of related experience.
• Experience troubleshooting and repairing electromechanical systems.
• Ability to travel and perform fieldwork on land and sea; valid Florida driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Troubleshoot, repair, and assemble electromechanical systems.
• Support field campaigns and data collection aboard research vessels.
• Assist with logistics such as loading, unloading, and transporting equipment.
• Provide hands-on technical support for maritime deployments.

Skills

Electromechanical assembly

Troubleshooting

Fabrication

Electrical wiring

Windows & Linux

Programming basics

Field data collection

Logistics support

Manual lifting

FL driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in a technical field

Tools

Multimeters

Power supplies

Soldering

Wiring

Job description

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The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) of the University of Miami invites applications for a Research Associate II position in support of the Physical Oceanography Division (PhOD) at the Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML). The position is concerned with observational studies designed to improve our understanding of interannual to multidecadal ocean variability and its influence on climate. The position will involve close collaboration with scientists, engineers, and technicians at Rosenstiel School and AOML.

The position will provide direct, hands-on technical support by troubleshooting, repairing, and assembling electromechanical systems and electronics, particularly while preparing for and executing field campaigns. This role involves general electronics and mechanical maintenance, basic fabrication, and executing the physical staging of equipment. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting operational logistics for maritime deployments. A critical responsibility of this role includes collecting observational data during long-duration international research cruises. This position also requires flexibility to occasionally support operations during unusual schedules as needed.

The applicant must have a bachelor’s degree or higher in a technical field and 2 years of related experience, along with demonstrated experience in the following qualifications:

Electromechanical assembly & Maintenance

• General technical skills for repairing, troubleshooting, and assembling electromechanical systems and electronics.

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• Skillful in using a variety of tools and fabrication devices such as drills, saws, and other hand and power tools to create and modify field hardware.

Software, Electronics Assembly & Troubleshooting

• Basic knowledge or experience with general electronics and software troubleshooting utilizing standard bench instruments like multimeters, power supplies, etc., alongside practical assembly skills such as soldering and wiring.
• General computer proficiency across Windows and Linux environments, familiarity with programming languages and basic software development.

Field Operations, Logistics & Data Collection

• Willingness to travel and conduct fieldwork both on land and at sea.
• Support loading, unloading, and setting up equipment platforms on both research and merchant vessels.
• Required to support project logistics, including driving pickup and box trucks to and from ports to transport equipment. A valid Florida driver's license is required.
• Capable of collecting high-quality scientific data aboard merchant and research vessels on deployments that can last up to 60 continuous days.

Preferred Qualifications (not required)

• Previous knowledge and experience with oceanographic instrumentation including CTD (Conductivity-Temperature-Depth), moorings, autonomous underwater vehicles, etc.
• Experience with 3D printers.
• Previous experience in SCUBA diving.
• Basic proficiency in Spanish.

The applicant must be willing and physically able to spend up to 120 cumulative days per year at sea on oceanographic research vessels and merchant ships assisting in collecting scientific data. Most cruises will range from 1-14 days, but cruises of up to 60 continuous days will be required. Such work requires a degree of physical mobility, and the incumbent must be able to lift and move items of up to 60 lbs.

Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S.

The University of Miami is recognized as one of the nation’s premier research institutions and academic health systems and is among the largest employers in South Florida.

With more than 20,000 faculty and staff, the University is committed to excellence and guided by a mission to positively impact the lives of students, patients, and communities locally and globally.

We are dedicated to fostering a culture where every individual feels valued and empowered to contribute meaningfully. United by shared values, the University community works together to build an environment defined by purpose, collaboration, and service.

The University of Miami is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Applicants and employees are protected from discrimination based on certain categories protected by Federal law. Click here for additional information.

Job Status:

Full time

Employee Type:

Staff