Role: Assist with field and laboratory research studies to improve our understanding and management of mesophotic and deep benthic communities in coastal regions of importance to NOAA. Analyze and report biological data using advanced microscopy techniques. Develop and maintain experiments in coral feeding, growth and reproduction. Serve as a point of contact for the coral propagation project teams. Coordinate routinely with federal, academic, and NGO partners; and work to support to the laboratory network.

Responsibilities:

• Work in the lab to generate histology data, through tasks including sectioning and staining corals, imaging oocytes and spermatocysts, measuring fecundity
• Maintain a clean and safe working environment in the laboratory, and keep it organized.
• Report data using spreadsheet templates and follow procedures for the development and dissemination of new data sets for coral growth, development, and propagation.
• Apply knowledge and technical skills in scientific analysis and evaluative methods for growth, development, feeding rates, larval behavior, and growth.
• Develop and execute complex technical tasks to apply analytical problem solving, and provide training, and technical direction to support staff using these tools.
• Contribute text and data to federal and peer-reviewed publications, high quality scientific graphics, and professional presentations.
• Participate in field work at sea to collect and maintain corals, sea water, and substrate for biological assessment and for laboratory based husbandry.
• Follow and improve upon standard operating procedures, summary documents, and peer-reviewed manuscripts, to inform science for NOAA, partners, and stakeholders.
• Support stakeholder engagement through regular contacts with partners, and actions intended to support the partnership.
• Support the local academic community by advising graduate student projects.

Experience Requirements:

• Master's degree in biological or environmental sciences
• Demonstrated experience in coral histology and coral reproduction
• Experience at sea collecting and analyzing biological and environmental data
• 2 years' experience with corals in the lab in the field, in shallow and/or deep-water

Preferred requirements:

• PhD degree in biological or environmental sciences
• Author of peer-reviewed, published research on coral growth and reproduction

CSS is predominantly a Federal Contractor and is subject to following the terms of Executive Orders. CSS requires all Employees (Direct, Indirect, government, state, and commercial), including employees working from home/remotely, to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have an approved exemption. Exceptions to the COVID-19 vaccine requirements may be provided to individuals for religious beliefs or medical reasons. Requests for an exception must be submitted to the CSS HR Department.

CSS is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer who provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regards to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, veteran status or genetic information. In addition to federal law requirements, CSS complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.