Lead Marine Biologist - Coastal Conservation

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Health insurance

Retirement contributions

Professional development

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 invites applications for a Lead Marine Biologist to head a new Durban-based research initiative focusing on ocean health and biodiversity. The role combines fieldwork, laboratory analysis, data modeling, and collaboration with governmental and non-governmental partners to advance conservation strategies.

The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in Marine Biology or related field, have extensive post-doctoral experience, and a strong record of peer-reviewed publications.

Qualifications

• PhD in Marine Biology
• 8+ years post-doctoral research experience
• Proven leadership of research teams
• Proficiency in statistical analysis and modeling (R/MATLAB)
• Strong publication record
• Diving certifications desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of marine scientists and research assistants in field and laboratory studies.
• Design and coordinate complex research projects on biodiversity, ecosystem health, and conservation in Durban.
• Oversee data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of marine populations and habitats.
• Develop methodologies for monitoring marine environments and conservation effectiveness.
• Publish in peer-reviewed journals and present findings at conferences.
• Collaborate with government, NGOs, and stakeholders to inform policy and conservation.
• Secure research funding through grant writing and proposals.
• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance on marine biology techniques.
• Ensure compliance with ethical and safety protocols in field and lab work.

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent environmental research institution focused on oceanic health, is seeking a highly skilled and dedicated Lead Marine Biologist to head their new research initiative in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This leadership role is instrumental in driving innovative research and conservation strategies for the region's rich marine ecosystems. You will be responsible for guiding a team of scientists, designing research projects, analyzing complex data sets, and contributing to policy recommendations for sustainable marine resource management. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in marine fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and a strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial contribution to marine conservation efforts in a vital coastal area, with a blend of fieldwork, laboratory work, and remote data analysis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of marine scientists and research assistants engaged in field and laboratory studies.


• Design, coordinate, and execute complex research projects focused on marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and conservation strategies in the Durban region.


• Oversee data collection, analysis, interpretation, and reporting of findings related to marine populations, habitats, and environmental impacts.


• Develop and implement innovative methodologies for monitoring marine environments and assessing conservation effectiveness.


• Author and co-author scientific publications for peer-reviewed journals and present research findings at national and international conferences.


• Collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to inform marine policy and conservation initiatives.


• Secure research funding through grant writing and proposals.


• Mentor junior researchers and provide technical guidance on marine biology techniques.


• Ensure compliance with all ethical and safety protocols for field and laboratory work.

Requirements

• PhD in Marine Biology, Oceanography, or a closely related field from a recognized university.


• A minimum of 8 years of post-doctoral research experience with a strong focus on marine ecology, conservation biology, or fisheries management.


• Demonstrated experience in leading research teams and managing complex scientific projects.


• Proficiency in advanced statistical analysis and scientific modeling software (e.g., R, MATLAB).


• Proven track record of publications in high-impact scientific journals.


• Experience with marine fieldwork, including diving certifications (e.g., PADI, NAUI) and boat handling is highly desirable.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to articulate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences.


• Experience in grant writing and securing research funding.


• Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment, involving both on-site laboratory/field duties and remote data analysis.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement contributions, generous research funding, opportunities for professional development and travel, and the chance to work on cutting-edge conservation projects in a beautiful coastal setting. Relocation assistance may be available for qualified candidates. Join our dedicated team in Durban and play a vital role in protecting South Africa's marine heritage. We are committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative research environment.