DEPARTMENT OVERVIEW

The Marine Biology Research Division (MBRD) consists of research groups broadly in the fields of cell and developmental biology, ecology, evolutionary, and conservation biology, microbiology, and the physiology of marine organisms that encompasses more than 20 laboratories. Cell and Developmental Biology: biochemistry, functional genomics, ecotoxicology, aquaculture, and morphogenesis of marine invertebrates, including sea urchin, corals, and mollusks. Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology: phytoplankton ecology, coral reef ecology, evolution and development of marine invertebrates, conservation of marine organisms and habitats. Microbiology: diversity and distribution of marine viruses, bacteria, and phytoplankton, including symbiosis with marine animals, biogeochemistry, secondary metabolite production, and microbial adaptations to environmental extremes and other environmental stressors. Physiology: biomechanics and locomotion, sensory biology, bioluminescence, and biochemistry of marine animals, including host-symbiont relationships.

DESCRIPTION

Responsible for a curatorial program. Responsibilities are defined by overall objectives and involve the highest degree of complexity in subject area specialization. Determines how to use resources to meet goals. Work is performed independently under general consultative leadership. Evaluates, interprets and revises guidelines, policies and programs.

Manages all operations pertaining to experimental research aquarium systems and collection of marine specimens, ensuring compliance with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations. Designs and develops aquariums and monitors all aspects of specimen collection and husbandry. Develops and updates policy, procedures, and guidance for management of research collections. Advises on technical issues, trends, and unique situations impacting animal husbandry for research projects. Consults with faculty and students on experimental designs and implement system setup through phases. Trains faculty, researchers, and students on boating, field collection, marine species, and husbandry. Creates collaborative partnerships with other institutions and sets standards used for collection and housing of marine life. Actively promotes and prioritizes accurate and up to date record-keeping.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Specialization in an area of the museum's collection. Extensive experience and knowledge in aquatic animal husbandry, water quality control, acquisition, nutrition, and disease management of marine life.

• Supervisory and leadership abilities. Proven ability and skill to use independent judgment to make decisions to solve high-level, difficult, and challenging problems.

• Knowledge of standard museum curatorial practices and current trends.

• Budget and project management. Proven proficiency in budget and finance matters to enable a strong financial management of experimental aquariums.

• Donor cultivation and relationship building skills.

• Proven experience and skill in the acquisition of marine animals, including by use of scuba diving, small boats, and large research vessels.

• Knowledge of collection building / connoisseurship, ethical and legal standards for acquisition, and of the current market. Demonstrated experience with developing, managing, and implementing an aquarium collection plan.

• Knowledge of selection, evaluation, and exhibition of objects.

• Knowledge of the principles of conservation / preservation.

• Experience and strong skill in communicating and presenting scientific information regarding collecting, marine life history, and aquatic husbandry.

• Skill in teaching in a university setting. Experience and skill in teaching to a variety of people and knowledge base, including faculty, researchers, graduate students, and undergraduate students including at sea.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate procedures, concepts, findings, recommendations and other complicated and confusing information clearly and concisely (both verbally and in writing) to large and small groups of people at all levels within and outside of the organization.

• Skills in scholarly research and writing scholarly publications. Experience writing guides, protocols, and scientific publications.

• Proven strong interpersonal skills, including tact and diplomacy, and a cooperative attitude with co-workers, University personnel, donors and other guests, other institutions and agencies, and the general public.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on Background Check results.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS:

• MOTC (Motorboat Operator Training Course) - Instructor Certification required.

• AAUS Certification 130 ft depth range.

• TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Card).