Assistant Scientist – Coral Reef Research

About the role

The University of Miami’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Atmospheric Studies (CIMAS) seeks an Assistant Scientist to develop carbonate budgets and photomosaic analyses that quantify the impacts of global and local stressors on Caribbean coral reef ecosystems. You will join a multidisciplinary team of scientists, postdocs, and students working within NOAA’s Atlantic Oceanographic and Meteorological Laboratory (AOML) Coral Program.

Key responsibilities

• Develop carbonate budgets for priority reef sites in Florida and the Caribbean using ReefBudget survey methods and photogrammetry.
• Construct and analyze large‑area imaging reef models, producing orthomosaics and 3‑D digital elevation models.
• Integrate reef model data with NOAA’s National Coral Reef Monitoring Program (NCRMP) datasets.
• Lead and administer funded projects, including budgeting, field work planning, and coordination of temporary staff and student workers.
• Prepare manuscripts, project reports, and first‑author publications.
• Write and submit grant proposals to secure external funding.

Required profile

• Doctoral degree in marine science or a related field from an accredited university.
• At least one year of postdoctoral research experience with a record of peer‑reviewed publications.
• Strong analytical and laboratory skills.
• Experience operating small research boats and holding an AAUS SCUBA diving certification.

Required skills

• Carbonate budget development.
• Photogrammetry and ReefBudget survey techniques.
• Large‑area imaging, orthomosaic creation, and 3‑D digital elevation modeling.
• Data integration with NCRMP datasets.
• Project budgeting and coordination.
• Scientific writing and grant preparation.