Junior Specialist, Marine Ecology

JPF01427 Junior Specialist in a Marine Ecology Laboratory – Marine Science Institute

The Marine Science Institute at the University of California, Santa Barbara, seeks a Junior Specialist to
assist in experimental field marine ecology within a Marine Ecology Laboratory. The Junior Specialist
will assist in laboratory work and field work for the Moorea Coral Reef LTER in addition to designing
and running their own ecological experiments as part of our research program. This work will include a
significant amount of coral reef ecology fieldwork in Moorea, French Polynesia.

Research will include SCUBA diving via small boats to gather data on fish and coral communities and to
set up ecological experiments. This position will entail significant detailed analyses of videos on fish
foraging and photographs of coral communities to quantify organism e.g. coral, algae, etc) identity and
abundance, which requires specialized knowledge and expertise in fish behavior, the taxonomy of fishes,
corals, and algae, and specific computer programs for video and photo analyses.

The Junior Specialist will also be responsible for physical oceanography data collection using a variety of
instruments and be expected to participate in field expeditions without the PI, which will entail them
using their creativity to set up their own experiments to expand our ongoing work in Moorea.

Basic qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in biology, marine biology, ecology, or 3 years of equivalent experience required at
the time of application
• SCUBA and AAUS certification with 100’ depth certification.
Additional qualifications:
• 2 years experience handling small vessels in near-shore systems.
• 2 years experience with physical oceanography instrumentation.
• 1 year experience with basic data management and analyses including the use of computer software
packages such as PGAdmin, Excel and SeaTerm.
Preferred qualifications:
• Experience in field marine ecology, Indo-Pacific coral reef biology and taxonomy, and oceanographic
processes.
• Demonstrate skills to design and conduct their own experiments in coral reef ecology.
Special Requirements:
• Applicants must have a good driving record with a California driver’s license
• Must possess or be able to obtain the necessary documentation, e.g. US Passport, required to allow
travel to French Polynesia and be able to travel and reside outside of the United States for extended
periods of time.

Please note this position is a combination of 100% time some months, and part-time some other
months.  The anticipated start date of the position is January 2019 and it is for 9 months total from January 2019 to
September 2019. It will be full time for January, June, July and August and 65% (26 hours/week) for
February, March, April and May with the possibility of extension depending on performance and funding
availability.

Salary and benefits are competitive, commensurate with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.
Electronic applications (including a cover letter, CV and names only of 3 references) should be sent to:
https://recruit.ap.ucsb.edu/apply/JPF01427

For full consideration, please apply by December 13, 2018. Thereafter, position will be open until filled.
The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of
the academic community through research, teaching and service as appropriate to the position.