Research Associate III

University of Miami; Miami (FL); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Miami's CIMAS is seeking a full-time Research Associate III to support marine mammal research under NOAA SEFSC in the Southeast region and field sites in the western North Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean.

The role emphasizes data collection, management, and collaborative teamwork, with responsibilities including vessel and aerial survey support and coordinated field activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences or related field with strong data management experience.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a team on complex tasks.
• Excellent oral and written communication; field and lab coordination skills.

Responsibilities

• Support marine mammal abundance, demographics, and movement research.
• Collect, manage, and curate research data and samples.
• Assist with vessel operation or aerial survey coordination as needed.
• Collaborate across NOAA SEFSC Marine Mammal and Turtle Division on field activities.

Skills

Collaboration

Organization skills

Problem solving

Communication (oral & written)

Education

Bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences

Tools

Database management

Small vessel operation

Job description

Current Employees:

The Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) of the University of Miami, Rosenstiel School of Marine, Atmospheric, and Earth Science is offering an exciting opportunity for a full-time Research Associate III to work as a Marine Mammal Research Associate.

The successful applicant will be a member of the NOAA's National Marine Fisheries Service (NFMS) Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Marine Mammal and Turtle Division's Marine Mammal Branch. Research focuses on marine mammal abundance, demographics, movements, threats, and trophic ecology in waters of the western North Atlantic, Gulf of America, and Caribbean. This position will provide support for completion of research activities that generate the high-quality scientific information needed to understand, manage, and recover marine mammals and their habitats.

Candidates for this position should have (1) a Bachelor's degree in physical or life sciences, or other related field, with an additional minimum 5 years of relevant experience with scientific data collection and data and/or sample management, preferably directly with marine mammal surveys and/or research, including vessel operation and/or aerial survey experience; (2) the ability and desire to work as part of a collaborative and diverse team; (3) excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, good problem solving and critical thinking skills, and the ability to plan daily and long-term duties; (4) demonstrated ability to work independently to complete complex tasks; (5) having a long-term vision and continuously seeking ways to improve data collection and management processes, and (6) excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience with database management and proficiency in small vessel maintenance and operation is highly desirable.

The position will be located at one of the NOAA Fisheries Southeast Fisheries Science Center laboratories in the Marine Mammal and Turtle Division with travel to field research sites required.

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