Position: The Chemical and Physical Ecology Program at Mote Marine Laboratory seeks a research scientist in Marine Sediment Science focused on the influence of terrestrial nitrate in submarine groundwater seeps on water chemistry and severe blooms of the dinoflagellate Karenia brevis. The applicant will study groundwater seepage where limestone aquifer strata intersect the southwest Florida shelf, either diffuse or via karst features, and how this may contribute to the marine nitrogen cycle, especially in regard to the role of dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium in benthic sediment. This research will build on the previous findings of Mote scientists working in this area. The research scientist will be expected to complete the proposed research involving field sediment and water collections and laboratory experiments, develop collaborations with other internal and external scientists, and publish research. This position will benefit from experience in enzyme-mediated nitrogen chemistry, ability to work with large datasets, and a strong background in experimental design and statistical analysis. Training in scientific scuba diving is desirable but not mandatory. The incumbent will be mentored by the manager of the Chemical and Physical Ecology and Ocean Acidification Programs, Dr. Emily Hall, and will receive additional mentoring from both internal and external scientists.

Mote Background: Mote is celebrating nearly 70 years as one of the few remaining independent, non-profit international marine research laboratories. The Mote research enterprise has over 25 diverse research programs, an array of STEM education/outreach programs, and an aquarium featuring working laboratories with more than 100 marine species. Mote currently has more than 40 PhD-level scientists, nearly 300 staff and approximately 1300 volunteers located on its main campus in Sarasota and across seven additional campuses/facilities, including a state- of-the-art 200-acre marine and freshwater aquaculture research park, and a 19,000 square foot International Center for Coral Reef Research & Restoration in the Florida Keys. Work on a new 110,000 square foot Mote Science Education Aquarium is nearing completion.

Application: Applicants must have a Ph.D. in marine chemistry, biogeochemistry, or similar field. This is a full-time position for up to 3 years (pending acceptable performance) and includes an expected initial annual salary of approximately $60,000, health insurance with family options, and benefits including an opt-in retirement plan with employer matching, leaves for holidays, illness, and vacation, and other benefits. The Research Position will also have established researchers assigned to serve as a Mentors. The position will be for a period of three years, assuming appropriate annual progress.

Applicants should submit the following:

• Cover letter of interest including present employment status.
• Academic transcript of doctoral studies
• Copy of PhD if achieved or expected graduation date.
• Curriculum vitae
• Names and contact information for three references.

To Apply:

Interested applicants should apply on line by choosing “2024 Postdoctoral Researcher - Sediments” at https://mote.smapply.org/prog/job_applicants or mail a single package including cover letter, resume or c.v. and the contact information for three references to Mote Marine Laboratory, Attn: Human Resources, 1600 Ken Thompson Parkway, Sarasota, FL 34236 before 5pm July 26, 2024.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status or other protected category. Mote participates in E-Verify. We are interested in every qualified candidate who is eligible to work in the United States. However, we are not able to sponsor visas at this time. Mote Marine Laboratory is an E-Verify employer.

Questions regarding this position may be sent to Emily Hall, Senior Scientist and Program Manager, Chemical and Physical Ecology and Ocean Acidification Programs at emily8@mote.org.