Coral Conservation Researcher University of Hawaii

Conservation Genetics And Coral Reef Restoration Ecology Research Scientist

Duties and responsibilities include to conduct scientific research in the field of conservation genetics and coral reef restoration ecology. Conduct conservation genetic and biodiversity research on coral reef ecosystems and associated organisms, including phylogenomic analyses of Reduced Representation (RAD) genomic datasets for population and species-level patterns. Develop environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis pipelines for metabarcoding of fish, algal and invertebrate mesophotic coral reef communities.

Develop eDNA biomonitoring tools for Species of Concern and alien species. Maintain a floating coral nursery platform to conduct research on coral micro-fragmentation, genotype by environment interactions, and reef restoration techniques. Write proposals for future support, publish scientific papers in peer-reviewed journals. Present results at appropriate conferences and public meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. from an accredited college or university in the fields of Marine Biology, Ecology, Evolutionary Biology or equivalent life sciences degree.
• Ten years of experience conducting conservation genetic and/or coral cultivation/restoration research.
• Two years of experience working with resource managers at the State and/or Federal level.
• Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research with sound critical thinking and proper scientific methods.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate results to the science community through peer-reviewed publications, including first-authored publications, and public presentations.
• Demonstrated history of obtaining extramural funding in support of coral restoration and/or conservation genetics.
• Experience with coral restoration and the construction and maintenance of coral nurseries.
• Experience working with State, Federal, and NGO stakeholders on coral reef conservation issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.