Ocean Career: WHOI Coral Husbandry Research Assistant

Research Assistant For Coral And Seaweed Studies

The selected candidate will support ongoing research projects aimed at developing and testing mineral-based substrates designed to promote the recruitment, growth, and resilience of benthic organisms—specifically reef-building corals and seaweeds. Responsibilities will include managing a complex aquaria system, supporting laboratory and field experiments, and assisting in the deployment and monitoring of engineered materials at local sites and offshore wind farms. The role may also involve fieldwork at coastal stations and at-sea research cruises.

• Maintain and monitor a multi-system aquaria array for coral growth experiments
• Perform coral husbandry, including feeding and general care
• Conduct regular water quality testing and adjustments
• Assess coral health using techniques such as Pulse Amplitude Modulated (PAM) fluorometry
• Track coral growth over time using the buoyant weight method
• Perform coral tissue extractions and prepare samples for secondary analysis
• Conduct coral tissue and skeletal analysis using microscopy, spectroscopy, and molecular (DNA) techniques
• Process and analyze experimental data using spreadsheets and statistical tools
• Document research methods and results clearly and thoroughly
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with interdisciplinary team members
• Provide training and support to students and other lab personnel involved in experiments

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in biology, biogeochemistry, ocean science, or a related field
• Hands-on experience working with corals and/or benthic marine organisms
• Strong ability to work independently and learn new scientific techniques
• Proficiency in troubleshooting research equipment and sensors (e.g., aquaria systems)
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across disciplines
• Experience in data analysis, including use of spreadsheets and statistical tools
• Excellent communication skills, particularly in supporting and training others

Preferred:

• Prior research or work experience involving coral husbandry and experimental marine biology
• SCUBA certification; AAUS (American Academy of Underwater Sciences) training is highly desirable