Assistant Experimental Coral Aquarist

Role: Assist with field and laboratory research studies to improve our understanding and management of mesophotic and deep benthic communities in coastal regions of importance to NOAA. Assist studies of coral feeding, growth and reproduction, and maintenance of cold-room aquaria facilities. Analyze and report resulting field and laboratory data. Follow and support procedures for assembly of data sets on deep-sea coral health and environment. Serve as a point of contact for the coral propagation team in Charleston. Coordinate with federal, academic, and NGO partners. Engage with graduate and undergraduate students to develop and execute experiments in the lab and in the field.

Responsibilities

• Follow standard operating procedures. Read and understand technical documents and peer-reviewed manuscripts, to inform science for NOAA, partners, and stakeholders.
• Assist in the design, construction, and maintenance of cold-water aquaria to develop propagation techniques for cold-water octocorals and black corals.
• Apply knowledge and technical skills in scientific analysis and evaluative methods for growth, development, feeding rates, larval behavior, and growth.
• Participate in field work at sea to collect and maintain corals for husbandry.
• Follow lab procedures for reporting coral growth, development, and propagation, and support the development and improvement of the procedures.
• Learn and perform complex technical tasks that require laboratory training, and technical direction from federal affiliated staff using these tools.
• Assist lab management, inc. safety protocols, purchasing of equipment and supplies.
• Support stakeholder engagement through regular contacts with students and partners, make presentations online and in person
• Apply knowledge, skills and experience to assist with review and preparation of peer-reviewed publications, scientific graphics, and professional presentations.
• Serve as a point of contact, if needed, for activities related to coral histology, coral husbandry and tank maintenance.

Experience Requirements

• 3-6 mos experience with corals in the lab in the field, in shallow and/or deep-water
• Enrollment in a master's degree in biological or environmental sciences
• Familiarity with collection and analysis of biological and environmental data

Preferred Requirements

• Experience at sea collecting and analyzing biological and environmental data
• Proficiency in MS Access , R, PYTHON, or other related analysis software

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