Job title: Restoration Research Associate

Posting date: 12/15/22

Closing date: Open until filled; review of applications will begin January 15, 2023

Employment type: Full-time

Location: Saipan, MP 96950

TO APPLY: Please submit, as a single PDF document, a cover letter, resume or CV, and contact information for two to three professional references to Dr. Lyza Johnston at  ljohnston@jamssaipan.com. Please include the job title in the email subject line.

*Must be a United States citizen or otherwise legally permitted to work in the U.S. to apply.

About JAMS

Johnston Applied Marine Sciences (JAMS) is an independent research and conservation organization based in Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a U.S. territory located in the western North Pacific Ocean. At JAMS, we are a small but growing team of passionate individuals dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and sustainable management of coral reefs and associated ecosystems. We conduct independent research, actively restore coral populations, and provide scientific support services to local and federal governments and NGOs.

Job Summary

JAMS seeks to hire a Restoration Research Associate to assist with all aspects of large-scale coral restoration on Saipan, including nursery maintenance, asexual and sexual coral propagation, outplanting, monitoring, data management, analysis, and reporting. The Research Associate will collect and process imagery for photogrammetric analysis to support monitoring and research efforts. They will conduct research and assist in the development and implementation of innovative technologies and methodologies to improve the resilience of outplanted coral communities in the face of ongoing climate change. This is a field-intensive position that requires the ability to spend full days diving/snorkeling off of small boats in open ocean conditions, potentially in inclement weather. The ideal candidate will be passionate about our mission, an experience researcher dedicated to applied science, self-motivated, and have strong critical thinking and problem solving skills. 

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist with all coral reef restoration activities, including maintenance of land and ocean-based coral nurseries, sexual and asexual coral propagation, outplanting, and monitoring
• Conduct surveys and assessments of coral reef ecosystems including benthic and fish communities
• Manage and analyze biological and physical data
• Collect and process imagery for photogrammetric analyses
• Assist with report and proposal writing
• Conduct research geared towards improving restoration outcomes
• Develop and implement strategies to improve the resilience of restored coral populations
• Help supervise and mentor student interns and volunteers
• Assist with education and outreach activities, including public speaking and content development for social media and other outlets 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related field
• Two years of relevant professional research experience
• SCUBA certification equivalent to PADI Open Water
• Scientific diving experience
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency in technical writing
• Proficiency in data management and analysis
• Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
• Ability to occasionally work outside of normal business hours, including nights and weekends
• Must be comfortable on small boats in open ocean conditions and potentially inclement weather
• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. and navigate uneven/unsteady footing

Other Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Marine Biology or related field
• Experience in coral reef restoration
• Project management/leadership experience
• Experience with coral and/or fish identification in the Indo-Pacific region
• Experience with photogrammetry using Agisoft Metashape software
• Proficiency in GIS software and applications
• Proficiency in scientific writing
• SCUBA certification equivalent (or greater) to PADI Rescue Diver
• First Aid, CPR, and DAN O ₂ Administration certifications
• Small boat handling and trailering experience

Salary Range

$36,000 – $55,000

Benefits

•  Employer sponsored health care
•  Paid holidays
•  Generous time-off policies
•  Partial relocation expenses

Johnston Applied Marine Sciences is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees, regardless of skin color, national origin, sexual orientation, reproductive status, marital status, gender, gender identity/expression, past or present military service, genetic information, disability status, or any other protected status. All employment decisions will be based on organizational needs, job requirements, individual qualifications, and performance.